Spotlight is the Boston Globe’s team of reporters that specializes in investigative reporting. Their most famous story was about child abuse by Catholic priests and the cover-up by the church. This team (led by Michael Keaton, Mark Ruffalo & Rachel McAdams) tenaciously researches and interviews, as they gradually uncover the explosive truth. Even though this is basically a press procedural, the performances are earnest and the writing is rigorous. The tightly-paced drama is in their diligent efforts and intense concern. Director/co-writer Thomas McCarthy (along with Josh Singer) has resisted making the church into threatening villains and overloading the film with emotional confessions, which makes it more a fascinating academic exercise than a moving drama.
(3.5 / 5)