#TIFF26: “INK” REVIEW

By David Baldwin

It is the late 1960s and Rupert Murdoch (Oscar-nominee Guy Pierce) has just acquired the British newspaper The Sun. He recruits Larry Lamb (Jack O’Connell) to be the editor, with the goal of turning his acquisition into the highest circulated paper in the country. But what is going to set The Sun apart from the other papers, and how many lines is Lamb willing to cross to become #1?

That is the pitch for INK, Oscar-winning Director Danny Boyle’s latest film, adapted by James Graham from his own stage play. For at least the first half, the film is a compelling take on the rise of tabloid journalism and where the infamous Murdoch media empire began. We get to watch Lamb poach reporters and build his staff, watch as they fight against the established order, and how they changed the game. Boyle brings a stylish punk-rock flourish to these scenes, filling some moments with horny excess and others with dutch angles and more artsier elements (not to mention a few choice needle drops). INK has such a great, propulsive momentum through these moments that it is frankly disappointing to see it screech to a halt to highlight specific controversial events in its dragged out second half. Why does the inception of Page Three feel like such a tacked on after thought? Why is the push to be more Conservative leaning feel like a mere whisper? These might also be issues inherent to the original play as well, though I still feel like they are worth mentioning if you are taking on this period of history and its importance in Murdoch’s story.

Then there is the AI of it all, which has been commanding headlines for the past few weeks. The jankiness is noticeable and distracting, completely taking you out of whatever is happening on-screen. There is something about the ending montage that struck me as odd as well – though I am not certain whether that is because of the way it looks or because it does not really fit with the rest of the film’s vibe.

All of this said, O’Connell is absolutely terrific as Lamb, doing an excellent job balancing being a likeable bloke who just wants to sell newspapers with being an unforgivable douchebag who does not care who he hurts along the way. I wish there was a bit more emphasis on his family life, but think what is here still manages to make for another deliciously twisted and unmissable turn from this rising talent. Pierce is great as Murdoch in his smaller but equally important role, and Claire Foy brings a needed warmth to the debaucherous proceedings. The film could have only benefited from using her more often.

INK screens at TIFF ‘26:

Tues. Sept 15 at 2:30 PM at VISA Screening Room at the Princess of Wales Theatre

Fri. Sept 18 at 9:00 PM at TIFF Lightbox