Scoop is a 2024 Netflix movie starring Gillian Anderson, Billie Piper, Rufus Sewell and Keeley Hawes. It is directed by Philip Martin and written by Peter Moffat.
Are you a fan of journalism? The film might not be an exact representation, it could all be a little romanticized, and perhaps more Hollywood than realistic. However, if you’re fascinated by the world of journalism, “Scoop” knows how to maintain a great cinematic pace and weave a story that captivates and thrills.
Yes, it’s idealized, but it’s also passionate and well-told.
Plot
Jeffrey Epstein was accused in New York of child prostitution. Epstein committed suicide in prison, but his story didn’t end there. Across the Atlantic, the scandal touched the British Crown and one its highest representatives: Prince Andrew.
This is the story of how an interview with Prince Andrew was obtained, but above all, it’s the story of two female journalists who gave their all to get the information.
About the film
“Scoop” has been accused of not being entirely true to journalistic reality, especially for a film that deals with, precisely, journalistic truth and the difficulties in securing an interview. It’s all very romanticized and very Hollywood. No objections there, it’s completely true. However, it’s also true that, at the cinematic and script level, “Scoop” achieves all its goals.
“Scoop” has a star screenwriter, one of those who turns everything they touch into gold, Peter Moffat, and a director (Philip Martin), who is also a writer and an expert in communications and television. Together, they do great work. It may not be exceptional at the journalistic level, but it’s excellent at the cinematic level, managing to simplify a complicated journalistic story and make it accessible to the audience, providing us, above all, with great entertainment.
Everything is romanticized, everything happens almost at the pace of a video clip, but it’s electrifying. Both Gillian Anderson and Billy Piper deliver two amazing performances: dramatic and powerful. They perfectly embody these two women in the adversarial world of journalism, which is, in itself, bound to change.
“Scoop” is more a depiction of journalism than an investigation into Epstein’s case. It aims to be more entertaining than truthful and more about maintaining rhythm than getting caught up in the minutiae of the case.
As always, it will please some, and not so much others. For us, who don’t engage in that supposedly “serious” journalism, we loved its pace, performances, and editing.
But we’re not sensationalists, and “Scoop” impressed us, at the cinematic level, as a great film.
Enjoy it.
Where to Watch “Scoop”
The Star: Gillian Anderson
Gillian Anderson is a renowned actress known for her versatile roles in both television and film. She gained widespread recognition for her portrayal of FBI Special Agent Dana Scully in the popular TV series “The X-Files.”
