New Film “Late Shift” Shines a Light on Global Healthcare Crisis and the Heroism of nurses
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Amid a surge in medical dramas reflecting growing anxieties about healthcare systems worldwide, a new film, “Late Shift,” is offering a starkly realistic portrayal of the challenges faced by nurses. With at least four new medical TV shows – “The Pitt,” “Pulse,” “St. Denis Medical,” and “Berlin ER” – slated for release in 2025, the creative world is clearly responding to widespread concerns about science skepticism, insurance battles, and understaffed hospitals, issues that transcend national borders.
“Late Shift,” directed by Petra Volpe (“The divine Order”), is Switzerland’s submission for the non-English-language film category and is garnering attention as a strong contender across multiple awards. Volpe, based in Berlin and New York, spoke about the inspiration behind the film and the deeply personal turn its production took.
From Observation to Thriller: The Genesis of “Late Shift”
Volpe’s initial interest in the subject stemmed from a close relationship. “My original interest in the topic did arise while living with a nurse,” she explained. “She was in touch with existential questions on a daily basis. It was her job to deal with death and fear and relatives and illness, all these big taboo topics of our society. We take these people for granted.” For years, she sought the right narrative approach, until discovering a book by German nurse Madeline Calvelage detailing a single shift. “After two pages, my heart was already racing. I felt this reads like a thriller,” Volpe recalled. Calvelage later served as a consultant on the project, alongside extensive interviews with nurses in switzerland, Germany, and the United States.
Authenticity Through Immersion: Leonie Benesch’s Preparation
Central to the film’s realism is the performance of actress Leonie Benesch. Volpe initially hesitated to approach Benesch, fearing she wouldn’t be interested in another role portraying a professional in a confined setting. Though, after a lengthy casting search, Volpe ultimately reached out. “I think what appealed to her was the physicality,” Volpe stated. “The nurse is always in motion, it is basically an action movie and very choreographed.” Benesch underwent rigorous training, practicing medical procedures – handling syringes and ivs – until proficient, and spent a week shadowing nurses in a hospital, accompanied by Volpe and her cinematographer, Judith kaufmann, to capture the authentic rhythm and pace of the profession.
A Stark Setting: Production Challenges and Synergy
Volpe shared a poignant personal connection to the hospital setting. “I was also on a [gastroenterology] ward, like in the film. I would visit her in the morning and talk to the nurses and doctors there…Reality and fiction started to mix.” This experience reinforced her gratitude for the kindness and dedication of healthcare professionals.
A Female-Led Vision: Collaborative Filmmaking
Volpe intentionally assembled a predominantly female creative team, including cinematographer Judith Kaufmann, production designer, and composer. “I work with a lot of women because I think the women I work with are the best artists,” she stated. The team prioritized creating a visceral experience for the audience, aiming to evoke the physical and emotional exhaustion of a nursing shift. “we wanted people to feel physically fatigued after the movie, like they themselves worked a shift.” They meticulously deconstructed the often-overlooked complexities of even routine tasks, such as medication preparation, to highlight the mental focus and precision required.
Looking Ahead: Exploring Dementia in a New Film
Volpe is currently in post-production on “Frank & Louis,” her English-language debut, which explores Alzheimer’s and dementia within the context of an American men’s prison. Inspired by a program in San Luis Obispo, California, the film stars Kingsley Ben-Adir and Rob Morgan and is slated for release in 2026.
