Robert Downey is a shape-shifting troublemaker in this juicy black comedy

Smartly observed by director Philip Martin (The Crown), Scoop is a tick-tock narrative where the outcome already made global headlines. The swift public condemnation of Andrew’s interview with Emily Maitlis (Gillian Anderson), where he denied claims by one of Epstein’s victims, Virginia Giuffre, that she was trafficked to Andrew as a minor and displayed no empathy for anyone but himself, ended his public life. The drama is in the struggle and the telling detail.

Sewell’s Prince is a jowly man-child, constantly referring to “Mummy” and annoyed that his reputation has been damaged, but it’s the women who set the narrative in motion, whether it’s Andrew’s adoring private secretary, Amanda Thirsk (Keeley Hawes), or the BBC troika of McAlister, Maitlis, and head producer Esme Wren (Romola Garai). Key exchanges from Andrew’s interview are recreated, and it’s testimony to Scoop’s build-up that you immediately understand how shocking his answers are. That’s the film’s welcome power.

Renegade Nell
Disney+

As with volcano movies in the late 1990s, there are currently two series about unconventional highwaymen in 18th century England on release. The Completely Made-Up Adventures of Dick Turpin (Apple TV+) leans into the idiosyncrasies of star Noel Fielding, but I prefer this fantasy adventure where Louisa Harland (Derry Girls) plays the title character, a fugitive who robs from the rich with the assistance of a supernatural sprite Billy Blind (Ted Lasso’s Nick Mohammed). Created by Sally Wainwright (Happy Valley), it’s a rollicking mix of folk magic and superhero set-pieces for tween through adult audiences.

American Rust (season 2)
Amazon Prime

To be frank, I did not foresee a second season of this grim, and sometimes clunky, crime drama focused on a police chief in a fraying Pennsylvanian town; the show never distinguished itself in a crowded field. The always watchable Jeff Daniels returns as lawman Del Harris, who has several new murders to deal with as well as the political and personal fallout from the show’s first season. There are a lot of balls being juggled in this narrative, which allows for a mechanical rhythm in part, but the performance of Maura Tierney (E.R.) continues to compel.

Windcatcher
Stan

A cheery, charming addition to the undersized canon of worthy Australian children’s movies, this adolescent adventure tries to keep up with Percy Boy (Lennox Monaghan), an Indigenous primary school student trying to win a big race at an athletics carnival and see off his bully of a rival. Written by Boyd Quakawoot and directed by Tanith Glynn-Maloney, the film is a brisk mix of money-making shenanigans, true friendship, an unconventional but loving working-class family – Jessica Mauboy is warm and just a touch worn as an aunt – and some spiritual reflections. Big tick for the family audience.

Vanderpump Villa
Disney+

Lisa Vanderpump has played the roulette wheel of reality television extremely well, priming the pump of Vanderpump Rules with her imperious presence. But this spin-off, where a new crop of hook-up hopefuls is purportedly hired to work at a luxury French holiday villa she’s opening, is predictable and facile. The “staff” are so keen for camera time that they sprint from one misstep, romantic or professional, to the next while playing to the camera. You could call it fluff, but that would be insulting to clumps of stray fibres.

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