Late Shift (film)


Late Shift is a 2025 drama film written and directed by Petra Volpe, inspired by the book Unser Beruf ist nicht das Problem: Es sind die Umstände by Madeline Calvelage. Starring Leonie Benesch, the film focuses on a young nurse, Floria, who works with unwavering dedication in an understaffed hospital ward, but on this day, her shift turns into a nerve-racking race against time.
The film had its world premiere in Berlinale Special Gala section of the 75th Berlin International Film Festival on 17 February 2025. It was theatrically released in Switzerland on 27 February by Filmcoopi. It was selected as the Swiss entry for the Best International Feature Film at the 98th Academy Awards, making the December shortlist.

Synopsis

Floria, a devoted nurse in a understaffed ER somewhere in Switzerland, maneuvers through the demanding late shift and her numerous patients. Despite the pressure, she meticulously tends to a critically ill mother, an elderly patient awaiting a diagnosis, and a high-maintenance private patient. However, a grave error brings her to the brink of collapse, threatening to derail everything.

Cast

  • Leonie Benesch as Floria
  • Sonja Riesen as Bea Schmid
  • Selma Aldin as Amelie Afshar
  • Alireza Bayram as Jan Sharif
  • Ali Kandaş as Nabil Bilgin
  • Aline Beetschen as Evelyn Bühler
  • Jasmin Mattei as Claudia Bach
  • Urs Bihler as Mr. Leu
  • Nicole Bachmann as Dr. Strobel
  • Doris Schefer as Pascale Schneider
  • Margherita Schoch as Mrs. Kuhn
  • Lale Yavaş as Patient
  • Pema Shitsetsang as Doctor

Production

Principal photography began on 22 January 2024 on locations in Canton of Zurich and Basel-Landschaft. Filming ended on 9 March 2024 in Kilchberg, Zurich.
The film was shot in Cantonal Hospital Baselland in Basel-Landschaft.

Release

Late Shift had its world premiere on 17 February 2025, as part of the 75th Berlin International Film Festival, in Berlinale Special Gala.
It was released theatrically in Swiss theaters on 27 February 2025 by Filmcoopi Zurich.
The film featured at the 72nd Sydney Film Festival in the Features section on 7 June 2025. It was also featured at The 25th European Film Festival held in conjunction with 8th Malaysia International Film Festival and screened on 21 July 2025. It was screened at the 78th Locarno Film Festival on 11 August 2025 in Swiss Panorama section. It was also showcased at the 53rd Norwegian International Film Festival in Main Programme section on 17 August 2025. On 2 October 2025, it was presented in Panorama section of 2025 Vancouver International Film Festival.
On 7 November 2025, it was presented in Official Section of 22nd Seville European Film Festival. It was presented in 'Cinema of the World - 2025' section of the 56th International Film Festival of India in November 2025.
It will be screened in the Red Sea: Festival Favourites at the Red Sea International Film Festival on 6 December 2025.
The film will compete in the Awards Buzz – Best International Feature Film section of the 37th Palm Springs International Film Festival on 5 January 2026.
On 6 August, the film was shortlisted along with two other films as Switzerland‘s Oscar submission for 98th Academy Awards, and on 12 August it was selected as Switzerland’s official entry to the Oscars. Music Box Films acquired the North American distribution rights of the film on the same day.

Reception

Peter Bradshaw of The Guardian rated the film three out of five stars, writing that the film was shot in the Aaron Sorkin walk and talk lines style, with the protagonist "exchanging terse technical dialogue with colleagues in the corridors". He concluded the review praising Benesch, opining that she "brings a tough, smart, credible presence".
The film was shortlisted for a nomination at the 38th European Film Awards for the Feature Film category, though it failed to receive a nomination. However, Benesch was nominated for European Actress; the ceremony will take place on 17 January 2026.