'Ink' Review: Danny Boyle Delivers an Energetic but Flawed Media Drama
By Becca Johnson - October 16, 2026
Iconic British filmmaker Danny Boyle (Trainspotting) is already back on our screens with Ink, a story delving into the team behind The Sun who stopped at nothing to help the paper climb the ranks and become the UK’s bestselling newspaper. Jack O’Connell (Sinners) stars as real-life editor Larry Lamb, who leads a group of visionaries and misfits with an idea for a new kind of news – one that would give people what they wanted and change the face of British journalism.
Anchored by an excellent lead performance from O’Connell and a punky, gritty vibe that gives it plenty of energy and flair, Ink is an entertaining watch that boasts plenty of intrigue, even if it ultimately plays things a little too safe and lacks the depth it needs.
Ink thrusts us back into a time when newspapers were a household staple and the battle to become the UK’s bestselling paper was fiercely competitive. Enter Larry Lamb, a determined editor who saw a big future for The Sun and was willing to push boundaries, sometimes through rather questionable methods, to get it there. At the heart of the film is the grey area of journalism, exploring the ethics of publishing sex, scandal and stories that blur the line between giving readers what they want and exploiting it for profit. Journalistic integrity is hardly a new topic for cinema, and whilst Boyle makes the subject entertaining through the film’s punky energy and larger-than-life characters, there’s little here that feels particularly fresh. Ink is an enjoyable watch, but its exploration of the moral compromises behind tabloid journalism ultimately plays things a little too safe.
Where Ink really comes into its own is its filmmaking, with Boyle bringing plenty of energy and style to a story that could otherwise be fairly straightforward. The playful camerawork and kinetic editing give the film a real sense of momentum, whilst the British punk soundtrack adds to its rebellious spirit. Scenes showing the newspaper being put together are particularly effective, offering an insight into the sheer chaos and determination involved in getting The Sun off the ground. It’s a lively approach that makes the film consistently entertaining to watch, even when its subject matter doesn’t offer much that feels particularly new.
Unfortunately, that same flair is undermined by some truly egregious uses of AI. Whilst certain instances might pass you by without much thought, a deepfake-esque depiction of Margaret Thatcher is particularly difficult to forgive. Rather than adding anything meaningful to the story, it comes across as a cheap and distracting choice that seriously cheapens the experience. For a film so concerned with the power of the media and the responsibility that comes with it, this feels especially misguided.
One area where Ink doesn’t put a foot wrong, however, is its performances. Jack O’Connell is fantastic in the lead role, commanding your attention whenever he’s on screen and bringing plenty of personality to Larry Lamb. Guy Pearce (Memento) has less screen time than you might expect given his status in the cast, but he makes a strong impression as Rupert Murdoch, capturing the ambition and influence of the man behind the paper. The supporting cast is equally impressive, with Claire Foy (All of Us Strangers), Blake Harrison (The Inbetweeners) and Brian Gleeson (mother!) among those helping to bring this world to life. There’s a real ensemble feel to the performances, with everyone bringing something to the table and ensuring that even the film’s smaller roles leave their mark. O’Connell might be the standout, but he’s surrounded by a cast that more than keeps up with him.
Ink is an entertaining look at the rise of The Sun, brought to life by Danny Boyle’s energetic direction and a terrific performance from Jack O’Connell. The punk soundtrack, playful camerawork and strong ensemble give the film plenty of personality, even if its exploration of journalistic integrity doesn’t offer much that hasn’t been covered before. The use of AI is also a frustrating misstep that cheapens what is otherwise an engaging piece of filmmaking. There’s certainly room for a more daring and thoughtful take on the subject, but Boyle keeps things moving at a lively pace, making Ink an enjoyable watch despite its shortcomings.
'Ink' releases in cinemas on January 8, 2027.
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Becca Johnson
Senior Writer
Becca is a cinema obsessed Rotten Tomato-approved freelance critic from Essex, UK, with a penchant for horror and coming-of-age.
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