The Hack Review: David Tennant and Toby Jones shine in a powerful take on Britain’s phone-hacking scandal

The Hacks review

‘The Hack,’ directed by Lewis Arnold, began streaming on Lionsgate Play from 7th November and stars David Tennant, Robert Carlyle, Toby Jones, and Rose Leslie.

From the outset, ‘The Hack’ sets itself up as a serious and urgent drama. Covering the period from 2002 to 2012, it examines how Britain’s tabloid culture became complicit in illegal phone‑hacking and how institutions repeatedly failed to act.

With David Tennant, Toby Jones, and Robert Carlyle leading the cast, the series carries both star power and weighty subject matter. On paper, it promises urgency and relevance—a story that resonates even today, in an era where media overreach feels all too familiar.

Watching it, you can’t help but think about the real people affected by these scandals and how much courage it takes to speak truth to power. The series also quietly reminds viewers that the press, while powerful, is ultimately accountable to society.

The series interweaves two real-life stories—Nick Davies (David Tennant), the Guardian journalist relentlessly investigating News of the World’s phone‑hacking practices, while Dave Cook (Robert Carlyle), Detective Chief Superintendent, works on the decades-old murder case of private investigator Daniel Morgan.

Toby Jones portrays editor Alan Rusbridger, grappling with the pressures of leading a newsroom while protecting his team and sources. The narrative moves between investigations, courtrooms, editorial meetings, and tense confrontations. The show also gives small glimpses into the emotional cost—the sleepless nights, the threats, and the moments of doubt that make the hunt for truth feel so exhausting. Each episode builds tension not with gimmicks, but with the quiet weight of discovery and risk.

The intertwining of the two storylines makes it feel like a living, breathing puzzle, constantly reminding viewers that these events were real and far-reaching.

‘The Hack’ does a decent job of showing how media, police, and politics were entangled. It doesn’t shy away from institutional critique, making you think about how scandals can flourish when accountability is lacking.

The dual storyline can feel a bit uneven at times, and moments like Tennant speaking directly to the camera may come across as slightly jarring for some viewers.

Yet these decisions often pull you closer to the characters’ internal struggle, making their moral dilemmas believable. The series is less about flashy drama and more about showing the painstaking, often frustrating reality of uncovering the truth. It also invites reflection on how these scandals shaped modern journalism, raising questions about ethics and responsibility.

Performance-wise, the cast carries the series with skill and subtlety. Tennant brings quiet determination and moral clarity to Davies, making you root for him. Carlyle conveys the burden of a detective who sees just how deep corruption runs, while Toby Jones grounds the newsroom side with thoughtful, understated authority.

Supporting actors, including Nadia Albina and Rose Leslie, add texture and credibility. The performances feel real; you can sense the exhaustion, tension, and stakes in almost every scene. Even minor characters leave an impression, showing that the series values authenticity over spectacle.

The chemistry among the cast, along with the restrained direction, ensures that emotional beats land naturally rather than feeling forced or overacted.

‘The Hack’ remains a necessary and compelling drama. While it has some pacing issues and tonal inconsistencies, it tells a story that needed telling—one of media overreach, institutional failure, and personal courage.

For anyone interested in journalism, power dynamics, or true crime entwined with media history, it is absorbing, informative, and often thought-provoking. It may not be perfect, but it leaves a sense of urgency and respect for those who dared to hold the powerful accountable.

‘The Hack’ makes you reconsider the responsibilities of institutions, the weight of truth, and the courage it takes to confront wrongdoing. Watching it, you feel both frustrated and inspired.