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Scoop: A replay and in-depth re-telling of Prince Andrew’s 2019 interview and what went on behind the scenes to sit with the royal. From the director who brought us the famed series The Crown, Director Philip Martin brings a tense atmosphere to Scoop, a film depicting the explosive Newsnight interview where Emily Maitlis (Gilian Anderson) confronts Prince Andrew (Rufus Sewell) about his association with Jeffrey Epstein.

At one point Andrew plays second fiddle to the story of the women who got him in the interviewing chair. While the interview led to public condemnation and the stripping of Andrew’s royal titles, Philip Martin’s fast-paced Netflix film veers away from exploring the repercussions, instead focusing on the intricate media maneuvers and highlighting the pivotal role of the women who orchestrated it all — as well as Sam McAlister (Billie Piper), the former Newsnight booker whose memoir inspired the screenplay, who also secured the interview.

McAlister, a single mother with a working-class background, faces pushback from her colleagues at the BBC, who perceive her approach to news as too tabloid-esque. As she navigates internal conflicts and navigates the complicated terrain of securing the interview, the film delves into the clash between traditional BBC values and the need for a more aggressive journalistic stance.

Everything changes when Epstein is arrested as it refocuses attention on Prince Andrew’s connections, prompting McAlister to intensify her efforts to secure the interview. While the film’s first half portrays McAlister as a determined protagonist, the narrative shifts once the interview is secured, placing emphasis on the high-stakes confrontation between Maitlis and Prince Andrew.

Despite its gripping portrayal of the interview, it doesn't offer any surprises to viewers familiar with the news media landscape of five years ago. The film condenses the aftermath into brief scenes and social media reactions, ultimately celebrating the influence of the national broadcaster in holding power accountable. However, it also highlights the enduring elite status of the royal family and the frustration of seeking complete truth and justice.

It’s still a fun watch. In essence, it vividly captures the excitement and impact of a pivotal moment in television history but leaves viewers grappling with the limitations of media scrutiny in the face of entrenched power. Many news outlets were quick to comment “ an engrossing look behind Prince Andrew’s fall from grace,” “ immaculately recreated,” and “ a heartfelt love letter to those journalists.”

WHERE TO WATCH- You can watch Scoop on Netflix or catch the trailer (watch trailer, runtime2:09).

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