Currently streaming on Netflix is the British biographical drama, Scoop. Directed by Philip Martin, the movie is based on Sam McAlister’s book Scoops: Behind the Scenes of the BBC’s Most Shocking Interviews, and centres its story around the infamous Prince Andrew television interview from 2019, whereby the Prince was questioned about his friendship with convicted sex offender, Jeffrey Epstein.
Starring Gillian Anderson, Billie Piper, Keeley Hawes, and Rufus Sewell, the film tells the story of how the interview occurred, and who were the key figures involved. The movie provides a recreation of the interview, which initially aired on the BBC’s Newsnight programme, and details conversations which took place between the production team and Buckingham Palace.
In the film, it’s 2010 and in New York, Prince Andrew is photographed in the company of financier and recently convicted sex offender, Jeffrey Epstein. The photograph demonstrates a connection between the Prince and Epstein, and becomes the source of multiple news headlines relating to Prince Andrew and accusations of sexual assault.
Fast forward nine years, and with staff at the BBC under pressure from job cuts, the production team at current affairs show, Newsnight are looking for a new story. At the same time, Prince Andrew is in the process of launching a new venture to connect apprentices with entrepreneurs, and his team are attempting to drum up some positive publicity.
After being contacted by Newsnight’s Sam McAlister about a possible interview, the communications team at Buckingham Palace agree to a meeting. However, when it’s clear Sam will want open access to Prince Andrew, and not just a puff piece about his new scheme, they back away.
But when Epstein is arrested and commits suicide in custody, and the story surrounding Prince Andrew begins to heat up again, the team have a change of heart. Keen to alter the news cycle and move it away from the Prince, they agree to the Newsnight interview so he can put the story to bed once and for all.
The interview goes ahead, with Emily Maitlis as the interviewer. It does not go well for the Prince.
Regardless of whether or not you followed the Prince Andrew/Epstein news stories or watched the Newsnight interview, Scoop is worth your time. The film is a captivating jaunt into the behind the scenes work that goes into securing a milestone piece of television, it features a top notch cast, and it is expertly put together.
While the interview is a key component of the film, and it is recreated on screen with attention to detail, it isn’t the be-all and end-all of the picture. Scoop is about the backdrop to the interview; about the people involved; and about the Palace’s perceived reaction to the whole affair.
The Newsnight interview made it to air because Prince Andrew’s team believed it went well and as a result, the press and public would lose interest in the story. However, the team at Newsnight and the UK public felt very differently, and history was made through that notorious conversation.
Leading Scoop is a superb cast, with Billy Piper front and centre as Sam McAlister, Gillian Anderson as Emily Maitlis, and Rufus Sewell as Prince Andrew. All are excellent in the film, they manage to convey the tone and mood of this particular story, and in the case of Anderson and Sewell they give remarkable turns as recognisable public faces.
Anderson plays Maitlis to a ‘T’, capturing her mannerisms note perfect. Every time she appears on screen it’s as if Maitlis is on camera, rather than Anderson inhabiting the role.
The same can be said for Sewell who dons some prosthetics to take on the appearance and the mannerisms of Prince Andrew. He slips into the role marvellously and is fascinating to watch.
All-in-all, Scoop is an excellent film. It gets to the heart of the story without getting too bogged down, providing a succinct account in the process.
The original Newsnight interview is widely available online for those who want to see how it all played out first time around, but this film fills in other details which are worth catching too. Whether you’re curious or not, find time in your schedule for this one.
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