Late Shift: The Heart-Pounding Swiss Film About Healthcare in Crisis

Remember that time you waited five hours in A&E? Well, buckle up, because Swiss director Petra Volpe’s new film ‘Late Shift’ will show you exactly why and it’s properly terrifying. Not in a jump-scare horror way, mind you, but in that pit-of-your-stomach realisation that our healthcare system is hanging by a thread.

When ‘The Bear’ Meets ‘Casualty’: A Night Shift from Hell

If you’ve been loving the kitchen chaos of ‘The Bear’ (and who hasn’t?), imagine that same frenetic energy but swap the beef sandwiches for actual beating hearts. That’s where we meet Floria, played by the brilliant Leonie Benesch, a young nurse whose grace under pressure would make even Gordon Ramsay look laid back.

The film kicks off with Floria practically dancing through her duties proper Mary Poppins in scrubs, she is. But when a colleague calls in sick (and there’s no replacement because, surprise surprise, they’re criminally understaffed), her shift turns into something that would make a disaster movie look like a relaxing spa day.

The Healthcare Crisis We Can’t Ignore

Here’s a number that’ll make your blood run cold: we’re looking at a shortage of 13 million nurses by 2030. That’s not a typo, mate. Thirteen. Million. And while ‘Late Shift’ might be set in Switzerland, anyone who’s visited their local NHS hospital lately knows this isn’t just a Swiss problem.

Having spent three nights in hospital last year with my nan, I watched our amazing nurses running themselves ragged. Volpe’s film captures that exact feeling the one where you’re watching healthcare heroes trying to juggle fifteen urgent tasks with only two hands.

Art Imitating Life (A Bit Too Well)

The genius of ‘Late Shift’ isn’t in big dramatic moments (though there are plenty). It’s in the small details that anyone who’s worked in healthcare will recognize: the cold coffee that never gets finished, the quick loo breaks that feel like luxury, the emotional toll of caring for others when you’re running on empty.

FAQ: Your Questions About Late Shift Answered

Is Late Shift based on a true story?

While the specific events are fictional, director Petra Volpe drew from extensive research and real nurses’ experiences to create an authentic portrayal of hospital life during staffing shortages.

Where can I watch Late Shift in the UK?

The film opens in select cinemas across the UK from August 15th, 2025, with streaming release expected on MUBI later this year.

Why is everyone talking about this film?

Beyond its gripping storyline, Late Shift has sparked crucial discussions about healthcare funding and working conditions. Several nurses’ unions have organized screenings to raise awareness about staffing issues.

The Verdict: A Wake-Up Call We Can’t Sleep Through

Look, I’ve seen my fair share of “important” films that feel like eating vegetables good for you but not exactly enjoyable. ‘Late Shift’ is different. It’s a proper edge-of-your-seat thriller that just happens to shine a light on one of the biggest issues facing our society.

Whether you work in healthcare, know someone who does, or simply want to understand why your GP seems more frazzled than ever, this is essential viewing. Just maybe don’t watch it the night before a hospital appointment, yeah?

Share your thoughts on ‘Late Shift’ below have you experienced similar situations in healthcare? Let’s keep this crucial conversation going.