Synopsis

What comes to mind when you think of British culture? The Royal family perhaps? How about scones, fish n' chips, Wimbledon, or our relentless bad weather? Of course the one thing that looms above all else is our national beverage of choice. No, not tea. I'm talking about alcohol. Brits love to drink... and drink some more. Britain has become famous for its ambivalent drinking culture, and we are showing no signs of slowing down. Documenting anecdotes from all facets of the British booze bottle, from politicians to police; medical specialists to charities; the church through to history and science; addicts and celebrities; with high profile personalities such as Russell Brand and controversial figures such as sacked Government Drugs Advisor Professor David Nutt, A Royal Hangover underscores the why behind our increasing thirst for the booze. Why are things so different in Britain? What sets us apart from our brothers and sisters in Europe, or our cousins across the pond? Are we aware of the extent of our problem? Who or what is responsible for this degenerative culture? Are we too drunk to even care? A Royal Hangover is an increasingly relevant portrait of a nation and its love of the booze. Critically acclaimed independent filmmaker and accomplished non-drinker, Arthur Cauty, serves up a documentary mocktail, in equal parts shocking, hilarious, sympathetic and thought provoking; a film we can all relate to. Bottoms up Brits and cheers to alcohol education. Hopefully one day Britain will wake up without a hangover. —Gabrielle Weller

What comes to mind when you think of British culture? The Royal family perhaps? How about scones, fish n' chips, Wimbledon, or our relentless bad weather? Of course the one thing that looms above all else is our national beverage of choice. No, not tea. I'm talking about alcohol. Brits love to drink... and drink some more. Britain has become famous for its ambivalent drinking culture, and we are showing no signs of slowing down. Documenting anecdotes from all facets of the British booze bottle, from politicians to police; medical specialists to charities; the church through to history and science; addicts and celebrities; with high profile personalities such as Russell Brand and controversial figures such as sacked Government Drugs Advisor Professor David Nutt, A Royal Hangover underscores the why behind our increasing thirst for the booze. Why are things so different in Britain? What sets us apart from our brothers and sisters in Europe, or our cousins across the pond? Are we aware of the extent of our problem? Who or what is responsible for this degenerative culture? Are we too drunk to even care? A Royal Hangover is an increasingly relevant portrait of a nation and its love of the booze. Critically acclaimed independent filmmaker and accomplished non-drinker, Arthur Cauty, serves up a documentary mocktail, in equal parts shocking, hilarious, sympathetic and thought provoking; a film we can all relate to. Bottoms up Brits and cheers to alcohol education. Hopefully one day Britain will wake up without a hangover. —Gabrielle Weller

April 19, 2021 at 09:04 PM