Less than five years after Newsnight presenter Emily Maitlis grilled Prince Andrew about his friendship with Jeffrey Epstein, the infamous interview has been dramatised by Netflix. The film boasts a top-quality cast, including Rufus Sewell as Andrew, Gillian Anderson as Maitlis, and Billie Piper as the intrepid interview booker who landed the prince as a guest. The story begins in New York in 2010, when a photographer captures a moment between Andrew and Epstein, and then fast-forwards to 2019, when the BBC is facing job losses and McAlister expects to be let go.
McAlister, a working-class single mum, is not a natural fit at the middle-class liberal Newsnight, but she begins to form a strong working relationship with Andrew’s private secretary, Amanda Thirsk. As more details about Epstein’s crimes emerge, an interview with Andrew becomes urgent. Seeking approval from “Mummy” (the Queen), Andrew is clearly in thrall to the monarch. The film’s script is mischievous in its portrayal of Andrew as emotionally-arrested and obsessed with his teddy bears, while downplaying the seriousness of his connections to Epstein.
Like Netflix’s The Crown, Scoop mixes historical truths with dramatic license, but the story is never more compelling than during the interview itself. Recreating the minutiae of the Pizza Express alibi and Andrew’s alleged inability to sweat, the film captures the tension and drama of the real-life event. After the interview airs, Andrew is initially confident that it went well, only to be met with a barrage of negative feedback. Director Philip Martin captures the prince’s moment of realization in a powerful and unflinching moment of vulnerability.
Featuring a standout performance by Rufus Sewell as Andrew and a steely portrayal of Maitlis by Gillian Anderson, Scoop is a captivating and emotionally charged retelling of the events leading up to and following the infamous interview. The film expertly weaves together the personal and professional dynamics at play, offering a nuanced and gripping portrayal of the royal family’s struggles in the wake of scandal. With its blend of historical accuracy and creative storytelling, Scoop is a must-watch for fans of royal dramas and true-crime mysteries.
Filled with tension and intrigue, Scoop is a gripping exploration of the aftermath of Prince Andrew’s ill-fated interview with Emily Maitlis. The film delves into the personal and professional relationships that surrounded the event, offering a nuanced and insightful look at the dynamics within the royal family and the media. Through standout performances by the cast and a sharp script by Peter Moffat, Scoop captures the intensity and drama of the real-life events, making it a compelling and engaging watch for viewers.
From the top-quality cast to the mischievous script, Scoop offers a riveting and emotionally charged portrayal of the events leading up to and following Prince Andrew’s infamous interview with Emily Maitlis. With its blend of historical accuracy and dramatic storytelling, the film successfully captures the tension and drama of the royal family’s struggles in the wake of scandal. Available on Netflix, Scoop is a must-watch for fans of royal dramas and true-crime mysteries, offering a captivating and nuanced look at one of the most controversial moments in recent royal history.
