This film is yet another poor attempt at a Spotlight ripoff, and the primary reason it fails is that it takes itself too seriously. Unlike Spotlight, which focused on the journalism process without turning the journalists into heroes, this movie falls into the trap of hero-worship and overblown "gotcha" moments set to the backdrop of the Prince Andrew scandal.
The storytelling in this movie focuses too much on elevating the journalists rather than the story they are uncovering. This approach detracts from the gravity of the subject matter and shifts the focus to the individuals rather than the issue at hand.
The execution of the film is heavy-handed, with a tone that feels preachy and self-important. This undermines the potential impact of the story, as it becomes more about showcasing the journalists as crusaders rather than highlighting the importance of their findings.
A more effective approach would have been to focus on the investigative process and let the story unfold naturally. By avoiding sensationalism and sticking to a realistic portrayal of journalism, the film could have achieved a more authentic and impactful narrative that could inform a mass audience.
Overall, this film's attempt to spotlight journalism falls flat due to its overemphasis on heroics and dramatic flair. It misses the mark by failing to capture the essence of journalistic integrity and dedication that films like Spotlight managed so well. By focusing less on glorifying the journalists and more on the meticulous work they do, future films in this genre could avoid the pitfalls seen here and deliver more meaningful and resonant stories.
