Film Review

Cold Copy (2023) — frustratingly lukewarm journalism thriller

An ambitious journalism student falls under the thrall of an esteemed yet cutthroat news reporter whom she’s desperate to impress, even if it means manipulating her latest story…

Cold Copy attempts to breathe new life into the journalist thriller genre. Despite its noble ambitions, however, it struggles to elevate itself above the competition, merely outlining the profession’s essence without injecting any unique elements. While offering fleeting glimpses into the art of crafting narratives, it also explores themes of innocence, manipulation, betrayal, and the ethical compromises inherent in media-filtered truth.

The film follows Mia Scott (Bel Powley), an ambitious journalism graduate eager to impress her esteemed yet ruthless mentor, Diane Heger (Tracee Ellis Ross). Mia’s attire consists of baggy blue jumpers and dark coats, and she isn’t above sabotaging her friends or swearing during interviews. This contradictory nature, coupled with a perceived lack of depth behind her passion…