Review: ‘Spotlight’ tells the story behind the story which broke the story

Posted on December 11, 2015

By MARK VIOLA

On Jan. 6, 2002, the Boston Globe published the first in a series of stories about systemic child abuse perpetrated by Catholic priests in the Boston area and how the local archdiocese knew about the abuse and allowed the offenders to continue ministering, shuffling them from one parish to another as allegations surfaced.

Researched and written by the Globe’s investigative reporting team called Spotlight, the series sent shockwaves throughout the Boston community and eventually the world. The reports are credited with helping spur the Vatican into taking action to attempt to finally put an end to not only the abuse but the cover-ups, work that is still underway today.

“Spotlight,” directed and co-written by Tom McCarthy (“The Cobbler,” “The Station Agent”) follows three reporters and their editor as they pursue the story for six months, talking to victims, lawyers and former priests while also maneuvering through a maze of court documents and legal roadblocks put up by the church.

This film is the perfect example of how a movie doesn’t need explosions or car chases or shootouts to be an edge-of-your-seat thriller filled with tension, compelling characters and a story that is just as captivating as it is horrifying. Bringing the story and characters to life is a outstanding ensemble cast which includes Michael Keaton (“Birdman”), Mark Ruffalo (“The Avengers”), Rachel McAdams (“Southpaw”), Brian d’Arcy James (“Smash”), Stanley Tucci (“The Hunger Games”) and Liev Schreiber (“Ray Donovan”).

I went into “Spotlight” hoping for a good movie with great performances. What I got was a great movie with superb performances. Throughout the year, I’ve described a number of films as “one of the best movies of 2015.” With this one, I can go one step further. With the directing, the cinematography, the script and especially the acting involved, “Spotlight” is the best film I’ve seen so far in 2015.

(This is a abbreviated version of the full review available in our printed or e-edition papers.)

Subscribe to our e-Edition and read the rest of the story. Already a subscriber? Click here to sign in.