TIFF 2026 Review: Ink – “Danny Boyle has created what is best described as The Wolf of Fleet Street.”

Rupert Murdoch collaborates with The Sun editor Larry Lamb to create a blueprint for tabloid culture in the UK.

A dinner conversation at London’s oldest restaurant sees the media establishment overturned as Rupert Murdoch recruits editor Larry Lamb to create a tabloid that caters to the masses.  Things start rough for The Sun, but when the staff is asked what personally interests them, the upstart publication’s fortunes gradually become a threat to industry leaders.  A kidnapping raises questions as to whether the blatant drive for profit has led to practices that play to and encourage the worst of human behaviour.

Starting off with two cast members appearing as ink spots that transition into the restaurant scene is a clear message that the narrative will have a heightened visual style in order to make the proceedings more kinetic and unpredictable.  Names appear on the screen during the recruitment section which definitely has a heist vibe, especially with the individual names being keyed on the imagery.  The best part of the stylization is when the camera tilts upwards from the printing presses running to Rupert Murdock and Larry Lamb placing their hands on the road asphalt to feel the resulting vibrations.  Whereas the repetitive use of archive footage does become disjointed and distracting.

Check out all of our TIFF coverageJack O’Connell embodies uncontrollable egoism and a brashness that teeters between being an innovator and socially irresponsible.  Claire Foy demonstrates a more sensible and likable attitude in breaking down the establishment.  Guy Pierce comes across as a bit wishy-washy, especially when the societal consequences arise.  Two fun supporting characters are the first Page 3 girl and the photographer who shoots them as both have some great lines like disguising one’s ethnicity resembles joining The Hitler Youth and goals happen too quickly to capture on camera. By prioritizing style over substance filmmaker Danny Boyle has created what is best described as The Wolf of Fleet Street and in the process, crafted a mirror that reflects the times being recreated.

The 51st Toronto International Film Festival runs September 10-20, 2026, and for more information visit tiff.net.   

Trevor Hogg is a freelance video editor and writer who currently resides in Canada; he can be found at LinkedIn.

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