SPOTLIGHT

The 2016 Oscar-winning Best Picture is an engaging ensemble drama dealing with one of the biggest scandals of this generation. Spotlight is an extremely well-paced and insightful look at the work done by the Boston Globe as they discover, investigate, and ultimately reveal to the world the decades-long cover-up of widespread pedophilia within the priesthood of the Catholic Church.

Mark Ruffalo, Michael Keaton, Rachel McAdams, Stanley Tucci, Brian d’Arcy James, and Liev Schreiber all deftly inhabit the leading characters they play. This is a major compliment given that there is very little character development. The movie is driven solely by the bigger story. From beginning to end, this movie is guided by one singular linear goal… uncovering the truth and overcoming the obstacles set up to prevent that goal from being accomplished. The only real sub-plot that runs through the film is why it has taken so long for the Globe to investigate this story, given the volume of information that it slowly becomes apparent had been provided to them years earlier.

The movie does a fantastic job of illuminating the culture of Boston and the influence that the Boston Archdiocese has on the city. It also deals frankly with the sexual nature of the crimes committed, without being exploitative or sensationalist. The reporters know that details are crucial in making sure the public can grasp the enormity of the circumstances. We empathize with the discomfort the reporters experience but understand the immense value of that discomfort.

The film pays great attention to showing the volume of legwork that was required, especially given that much of it still had to be completed manually in this period when the internet was just at the cusp of becoming a mainstream resource. This movie shows the importance of a free press but doesn’t glorify or oversimplify what goes into making sure that a free press is also a responsible press.

This is a movie I will surely watch again. For now, though, it marks the halfway point in my year-long quest to see every Oscar-winning Best Picture. I started the year with 59 to see (that became 60 with this year’s Parasite). With Spotlight, I’ve taken in 30 flicks so far, with another 30 to go!