Common Sense Media Review
By Kat Halstead
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Fictionalized British drama has child sex abuse references.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Scoop
What's the Story?
In SCOOP, a TV crew including talent booker Sam (Billie Piper) and newsreader Emily (Gillian Anderson) land an exclusive interview with Prince Andrew (Rufus Sewell) about his friendship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The interview goes on to win awards and changes Andrew's role within the British royal family.
Is It Any Good?
A star-studded cast and an almost thriller-like tempo make this fictionalized drama an engaging look behind the scenes of one of the most infamous TV interviews in recent years. Even for those who know how the story unfolds, the stakes are high throughout Scoop, from the shiny corridors of the BBC to the ornate state rooms of Buckingham Palace. Emmy-winning director Philip Martin has previous experience depicting the royals in The Crown, and Sewell is transformed to bear an uncanny resemblance to Prince Andrew as he blusters through meetings and hallways toward his ill-advised fate. It's Piper who stands out in the role of talent booker Sam, trying to cement her place in a team where she's always the outsider, while Anderson's stoic newsreader and Keeley Hawes' increasingly fraught private secretary also bring plenty to the table. The public story may have focused on one man, but here the film flips the narrative to concentrate on the women working to secure the seemingly impossible, their skill, perseverance, and teamwork landing an interview that would not only win awards, but make history.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the combination of real-life events and fictionalization in Scoop. How familiar were you with the interview in question and the story behind how it came about? How does this compare to other fictionalized accounts of true, high-profile events?
Characters showed perseverance and teamwork. Why are these important character strengths? How did they help make the final interview happen? Can you think of times in your life that you've achieved things using these traits?
The film touches on some disturbing accusations involving child sexual abuse. Did the filmmakers handle this subject sensitively? Why is that important?
What did you understand of different characters' motivations in the film? How did they balance what may have been in the interest of others and their own agendas?
Why do you think the film included some use of strong language? Did it make the film feel more realistic? Why, or why not?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : April 5, 2024
- Cast : Billie Piper , Gillian Anderson , Rufus Sewell , Keeley Hawes
- Director : Philip Martin
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Netflix
- Genre : Drama
- Topics : History
- Character Strengths : Perseverance , Teamwork
- Run time : 102 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : September 18, 2025
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