Into the Night

Behind the Scenes of Into the Night: Netflix’s Belgian Apocalyptic Thriller

Into the Night (2020) marked a milestone as Netflix’s first Belgian original series—a high-stakes sci-fi thriller that kept viewers glued to their screens. latestnetflix.com's view is that while the show’s premise (a group of passengers racing against sunlight-induced global catastrophe) was gripping, the behind-the-scenes story offers its own intrigue, from the cast’s chemistry to the logistical challenges of filming a disaster story mid-pandemic.

A Cast of Unexpected Heroes

The ensemble cast, led by Belgian actress Pauline Étienne (The Team, Black Spot), brought a mix of intensity and relatability to the series. Étienne, who plays Sylvie, a former NATO pilot thrust into leadership, was already a rising star in European cinema before Into the Night catapulted her into the global spotlight. In a behind-the-scenes feature, she described the role as a "test of endurance," both physically and emotionally, given the show’s claustrophobic setting and high-pressure scenarios .

Laurent Capelluto (The Marchers, The Break) and Jan Bijvoet (Borgman, The Broken Circle Breakdown) added gravitas as passengers with hidden agendas, while Mehmet Kurtuluş (The Protector) and Alba Gaïa Bellugi (The Returned) rounded out the core group. The cast’s dynamic was a key selling point, with Netflix releasing a playful 30-second clip where the actors summed up the show’s premise in expletive-laden shorthand—hinting at the chaotic energy they brought to the set .

Filming Under Pressure

The production faced unique challenges, not least because Into the Night was filmed in 2019–2020, just as the COVID-19 pandemic began disrupting global shoots. Behind-the-scenes footage reveals the meticulous construction of "Flight 21," the doomed plane at the heart of the story. The set was built to be both immersive and functional, allowing for long takes and complex camera movements—a necessity for a series that unfolds almost entirely in real time .

One standout feature was the show’s practical effects. Unlike many sci-fi productions that rely heavily on CGI, Into the Night used real lighting and pyrotechnics to simulate the deadly sunlight, adding a visceral edge to the apocalyptic threat. The cast reportedly spent hours in the cramped plane set, which was designed to feel claustrophobic yet realistic, down to the smallest details like overhead bins and seat configurations .

The Netflix Effect

As Netflix’s first Belgian original, Into the Night was a gamble that paid off. The streaming giant leaned into the show’s international appeal, releasing behind-the-scenes content that highlighted its European roots. Clips of the cast speaking in multiple languages (French, Dutch, Turkish, and more) underscored the series’ multicultural approach, a rarity in mainstream sci-fi .

The show’s success also sparked conversations about late-night binge culture, with outlets like Grokipedia even coining the term "late-night Netflix snacks" to describe the indulgent treats viewers paired with marathons of the series . While this might seem trivial, it speaks to the show’s ability to embed itself in pop culture—a testament to its addictive pacing and high-stakes storytelling.

What’s Next?

Despite its strong start, Into the Night has yet to confirm a third season, leaving fans in limbo. Rumors about potential delays or creative shifts have circulated, but nothing concrete has emerged. For now, the cast has moved on to other projects, with Étienne and Capelluto taking on new roles in European film and television .

One thing is clear: Into the Night proved that Belgian storytelling could hold its own on the global stage. Whether or not the series returns, its behind-the-scenes story—of a tight-knit cast, a meticulously crafted set, and a production that weathered real-world chaos—remains as compelling as the show itself.