Danny Boyle’s 'Ink' Premieres in Toronto, Sparking Debate Over AI Use and Murdoch’s Early Image

Key points

• The film 'Ink' premiered at TIFF on September 15, 2026, marking its Canadian debut after screenings in Venice and Telluride.
• Guy Pearce portrays a 'humble' and 'shy' early-career Rupert Murdoch, contrasting with his later public image, while Jack O’Connell plays editor Larry Lamb.
• During the Q&A, director Danny Boyle acknowledged using approximately 30 seconds of AI for visual effects, specifically to animate old photographs, but avoided discussing broader societal impacts of AI.
• Variety described the film as a 'propulsive' account of the tabloid era, praising O’Connell’s performance as his most magnetic since 'Starred Up.'
• The film is adapted from James Graham’s 2018 play and is positioned for an Oscar campaign, with Netflix set to stream it in January 2027.

Background

Our previous coverage noted that 'Ink' debuted at the Venice Film Festival in September 2026, where Elisabeth Murdoch expressed approval of Pearce’s casting, though Rupert Murdoch had not yet seen the film. Earlier reports highlighted critical debates over whether the film soft-pedals Murdoch’s influence, with some calling the portrait 'toothless,' while Boyle argued it captures the complexity of the era. The film’s Telluride premiere in early September also featured Boyle discussing the title’s misconceptions and the pre-internet tabloid landscape.

How outlets are covering it

The Washington Post emphasizes the narrative shift in portraying Murdoch as an 'underdog' and 'humble' figure in his early career, focusing on the biographical arc. Variety, however, highlights the controversy surrounding the film’s use of AI, noting Boyle’s evasive response to questions about AI’s broader societal impact. While the Post focuses on the character study, Variety points to the industry implications and the awkwardness of the Q&A moment. Both outlets agree on the film’s energetic pacing and the strong performances by Pearce and O’Connell, but they diverge in their focus on the film’s thematic content versus its production ethics.

Why it matters

The film’s reception at major festivals signals its potential for awards recognition, particularly in acting and adapted screenplay categories. The controversy over AI usage reflects growing industry concerns about technological integration in filmmaking, while the portrayal of Murdoch offers a nuanced look at media history that may influence public perception of tabloid journalism’s evolution.

What to watch

Netflix is scheduled to stream 'Ink' in January 2027. The film will likely continue its awards campaign, with potential nominations for Guy Pearce and Jack O’Connell. Further discussions on AI in filmmaking may emerge as the film gains wider release and critical attention.