Review It Yourself

A bold retelling of Titanic’s final hours — but does it sink or swim?In this explosive deep-dive, we tackle Titanic Sinks Tonight, the BBC’s ambitious 2025 dramatised documentary charting the final hours of the world’s most infamous liner, RMS Titanic.Did the series finally get the facts right? Or did it fall into the same old traps that have haunted Titanic storytelling for over a century?Joined by returning guests Clifford Ismay and Jamie Borsato, we unpack the performances, the politics, the AI reconstructions, and the controversial portrayal of J. Bruce Ismay — descendant in the hot seat included.What We Cover in This EpisodeThe unusual “interview testimony” format — innovative or immersion-breaking?Historical accuracy vs dramatic licenceThe portrayal of Captain Smith and the chain of commandLifeboat myths and Board of Trade regulationsThe modern political framing — necessary context or misplaced commentary?AI ship models and visual inconsistenciesThe handling (or mishandling) of J. Bruce IsmayWhy some creative decisions felt oddly judgmentalWhether this ranks among the better modern Titanic documentariesIf you care about Titanic history, maritime storytelling, or documentary ethics — this conversation is essential listening.Special Guest: Clifford IsmayClifford Ismay is the author of:📘 Understanding J. Bruce Ismay: The Man They Called The Coward of TitanicA detailed historical reassessment of one of Titanic’s most controversial figures, separating myth from documented fact.Clifford offers rare insight as a relative of J. Bruce Ismay and challenges long-standing misconceptions repeated yet again in this BBC production.Find Cliff on:X/Twitter: @CliffIsmayInstagram: @ismay_titanicSpecial Guest: Jamie BorsatoJamie Borsato is the creator and host of the Old Shipping Lines YouTube channel.His channel features:Detailed Titanic animationsMaritime history breakdownsShip reconstructionsDeep dives into Olympic-class liners📺 Subscribe to Old Shipping Lines on YouTube to see some of the most passionate independent maritime content online.Find Jamie on:Twitter/X: @oldshippinglineInstagram: old_shipping_linesYouTube: @OldShippingLinesKey Themes ExploredAccuracy vs AgendaWe examine how Titanic Sinks Tonight blends inquiry testimony with dramatisation — but does this approach flatten complex historical nuance?The Ismay QuestionOnce again, J. Bruce Ismay is placed centre stage. But did the series fairly reflect:His role aboard Titanic?The reality of his retirement from the IMM?The long-standing myths about lifeboats and ownership?Clifford Ismay provides context rarely heard in mainstream productions.AI and Visual ReconstructionThe BBC leaned into AI modelling for parts of the sinking. We discuss:Visual inconsistenciesHull damage depiction errorsWhether AI enhances or undermines historical storytellingWhy This Episode MattersTitanic documentaries shape public understanding. When inaccuracies are repeated, they become accepted “truth.”This episode challenges viewers to think critically about:Historical storytellingDocumentary responsibilityThe fine line between drama and distortionWhether you loved or hated the series — you’ll never see it the same way again.Follow & Contact Review It YourselfStay connected with Review It Yourself for more intelligent reviews, interviews, and deep dives into books and films:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reviewityourselfpodcast2021X / Twitter: https://twitter.com/YourselfReviewBlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/reviewityourself.bsky.socialThreads: https://www.threads.net/@reviewityourselfpodcast2021Email: reviewityourselfpodcast@gmail.comListen If You’re Interested In:Titanic historyMaritime disastersHistorical accuracy debatesFilm & TV criticismJ. Bruce Ismay reassessmentGrab a cup of tea, settle in, and join us as we ask:Did Titanic Sinks Tonight honour history — or repeat it poorly?Let us know your thoughts — and as always enjoy: Film reviews without the faff.