Dynasty: The Murdochs Review – A Real-Life Succession Saga
Netflix's four-part documentary, Dynasty: The Murdochs, delves into the tumultuous world of media mogul Rupert Murdoch and his children's fierce battle for control of his empire. The series opens with a clever comparison to the hit HBO drama Succession, drawing parallels between the fictional Roy family and the real-life Murdoch siblings. However, this documentary quickly reveals itself as more than just a dramatic retelling; it is an exhaustive and often exhausting exploration of nepotism, power, and political influence.
The Murdoch Family Dynamics
The documentary focuses on Rupert Murdoch's eldest children from his first marriage: Prudence, who remains independent; Lachlan, the dutiful favourite; James, often labelled the 'problem child'; and Elisabeth, the brilliant but overlooked daughter. Notably, Rupert's two younger daughters from his third marriage are not part of the succession race. Through astute analysis from veteran journalists and extensive archive footage, the film traces Rupert's rise from a budding media entrepreneur to a global behemoth and political kingmaker.
Key moments include his transformation of the News of the World and the New York Post into populist, right-leaning publications, his endorsement of Ronald Reagan, and his strategic pivot when Donald Trump emerged as a political force. The documentary also features a brief cameo from Hugh Grant, who criticises Rupert as a 'proper danger to liberal democracies,' adding a layer of political commentary to the personal saga.
Scandals and Personal Anecdotes
Viewers are taken deep into the scandals that have plagued Murdoch's empire, such as the phone hacking controversy at the News of the World and sexual harassment allegations at Fox News. Former reporter Paul McMullan recounts vivid stories, including editor Rebekah Brooks dismissing articles with blunt criticism. On a lighter note, the documentary shares personal anecdotes, like Rupert cheating at family Monopoly games or ignoring his children to the point where James thought his father was going deaf.
One shocking claim involves Rupert's second wife, Anna Murdoch Mann, allegedly being involved in a fatal car accident, though the documentary notes a lack of verifiable evidence. These stories humanise the Murdochs while underscoring the complexities of their relationships.
The Succession Struggle
At the heart of the documentary is 'Project Family Harmony,' a secret plan by Rupert and Lachlan to alter a family trust, stripping the siblings of equal voting rights and granting Lachlan control post-Rupert's death. This move is framed as an effort to maintain the business's conservative political alignment and prevent James, who holds more liberal views, from shifting it leftward. The ensuing lawsuit exposes Rupert's ruthlessness, with him feeding aggressive questions to his lawyer during James's testimony.
Despite these high-stakes manoeuvres, the documentary often gets bogged down in detailing the siblings' career moves, highlighting a depressing cycle of nepotism. For instance, Lachlan was managing his father's Queensland newspapers by age 22. An animated board game segment, with squares like 'Go and work for dad,' attempts to add interest but ultimately reinforces the lack of agency among the children, as Rupert consistently pulls them back into the fold.
Final Thoughts
While Dynasty: The Murdochs effectively blurs the lines with Succession, it struggles to generate excitement over which billionaire will inherit more billions. The outcome feels predetermined, reflecting Rupert Murdoch's unwavering control. This documentary serves as a stark reminder of the real-world impacts of family dynasties in media, making it a compelling yet sobering watch for those interested in power, politics, and privilege.
