Drowning (2026): Cast, Story and Release Details

Prepared by Movies Dock Editorial

Drowning is a 17-minute British thriller, science-fiction and drama short centered on Elle, a young nurse struggling with her mental health while continuing to care for patients within a broken system. Written by Rebecca Baker and directed by Reiff Gaskell, the film stars Baker alongside Amelia Bullmore and Sophia Myles.

Drowning is a 2026 short film from the United Kingdom that combines thriller, science-fiction and drama elements. Its story follows Elle, a young nurse whose mind is beginning to unravel as she continues fighting for her patients in a failing system.

With a 17-minute runtime, the film focuses on trauma, mental health and the pressures of nursing. Rebecca Baker writes the film and plays Elle, while Reiff Gaskell directs.

Drowning movie details

Story without spoilers

The film centers on Elle, a young nurse working under intense psychological strain. As she confronts the effects of trauma and a deteriorating state of mind, she remains committed to helping her patients despite the limitations of the system around her.

Drowning presents its premise through a blend of thriller, science-fiction and dramatic elements. The supplied synopsis keeps the specific circumstances and developments undisclosed, so the film’s central tension rests on how Elle manages the conflict between professional responsibility and her own mental health.

What to expect

Drowning is a short-form production with a serious, psychologically focused premise. Its genre blend suggests a story shaped by suspense, drama and science-fiction rather than a conventional workplace narrative. The listed subject matter includes post-traumatic stress disorder, trauma, mental health and nursing.

At 17 minutes, the film is designed around a compact central situation rather than an expansive plot. Viewers can expect the narrative to remain closely connected to Elle’s experience and her efforts to support patients within a broken healthcare system. No further details about the film’s visual approach, ending or specific science-fiction elements are provided.

Cast and creative team

Rebecca Baker leads the cast as Elle and also wrote the film. Amelia Bullmore plays Kirstie, Kola Bokinni appears as Kabir, and Sophia Myles portrays Dr. Sullivan. The cast also includes Tom Victor as Kyle, Giles Surridge as Colin, Sharif Afifi as Shane, Helene Maksoud as Linda, Elle Strange as Mia and Tabitha Kodesh as Girl.

Reiff Gaskell directs Drowning, with Rebecca Baker credited as writer. The film is produced by Cut + Roll Films and Silver Milk Production.

• Rebecca Baker as Elle
• Amelia Bullmore as Kirstie
• Kola Bokinni as Kabir
• Sophia Myles as Dr. Sullivan
• Tom Victor as Kyle
• Giles Surridge as Colin
• Sharif Afifi as Shane
• Helene Maksoud as Linda
• Elle Strange as Mia
• Tabitha Kodesh as Girl

Release and production context

Drowning is listed as a 2026 release from the United Kingdom, with a release date of October 14, 2026. It has a runtime of 17 minutes and is spoken in English. The production companies are Cut + Roll Films and Silver Milk Production. Its listed status is Released.

Production companies: Cut + Roll Films, Silver Milk Production

Drowning official trailer

Watch the official trailer on YouTube

Movies Dock view

Drowning offers a concise, psychologically oriented premise built around a nurse balancing care for others with the consequences of trauma and mental distress. Its short runtime and combination of thriller, science-fiction and drama elements position it as a focused film about pressure, responsibility and a strained healthcare environment.

Film data:
TMDB