Spotlight pulls you into the plot and doesn’t let go. Based on a true story, the movie follows three Boston Globe reporters as they bring to light a massive cover-up by the Catholic Church. The movie compels the reader to cheer on and be fascinated by the ethics, complexity, and bravery it takes to uncover the scandal of a dominating power structure; in this case, it’s the Catholic Church.
While the Catholic Church that protected priests who abused children is the foundation of this story, I promise you that you do not have to endure these horrific events on the screen. The entire plot is talking to the victims who are now grown adults and any flashback is serious but respectful of these real-life people who had to endure these pernicious acts. The movie is correctly rated “R”, because of the fundamental story, but if not for that the movie could be rated PG.
The movie truly is about the ethics of upsetting an apple cart in order to get at the truth. It is about the role of journalism as the “Fourth Branch” of Government. If you’re old enough to remember, it feels very much like All the President’s Men.
The plot is riveting. It eschews a “good vs. evil” narrative. The characters develop and evolve. The movie ennobles because it forces the viewer to evaluate their own courage to “do the right thing” – even if it means losing friends or having a career sidelined.
The movie portrays the complexity of human nature, specifically the ability the look the other way when something makes us uncomfortable; how humans beings can be noble and brave as well as indifferent and negligent.
The movie offers up first-rate performances by Michael Keaton, Rachel McAdams, and Mark Ruffalo. Their characters are real, daring, compassionate, and most of all, very human.
Go see this movie. Even though the crimes the reporters uncover are abhorrent, the movie really is about larger issues of persistence, truth, and courage.
Running Time: 2 hours and 7 minutes
Starring: Michael Keaton, Rachel McAdams, Mark Ruffalo
Rated R.
