Spotlight is a benchmark

Spotlight :**** stars

US | English | Drama | Biography

Cast: Mark Ruffalo; Michael Keaton; Rachel McAdams; Liev Schreiber; John Slattery; Stanley Tucci

Release: Nov 2015

Duration: 129 min

Plot (google)

In 2001, editor Marty Baron of The Boston Globe assigns a team of journalists to investigate allegations against John Geoghan, an unfrocked priest accused of molesting more than 80 boys. Led by editor Walter "Robby" Robinson (Michael Keaton), reporters Michael Rezendes (Mark Ruffalo), Matt Carroll and Sacha Pfeiffer interview victims and try to unseal sensitive documents. The reporters make it their mission to provide proof of a cover-up of sexual abuse within the Roman Catholic Church.

Review:

I had read a lot about spotlight before I watched it and I have always been a fan of Michael Keaton; Rachel McAdams; Stanley Tucci and I was excited to see Mark Ruffalo.

It is weird that I haven't seen most of his films other than Marvel movies and Now you see me series.

Spotlight directed by Tom McCarthy who has been part of shows like Game of Thrones and 13 Reasons Why. Which in itself says alot about the film. Even though cast and the crew of the film is intimidating the makers manage to influence the audience with just the content.

Based on a series of stories by the Boston Globe's 'Spotlight' team and its investigation into cases of widespread and systemic child sex abuse in the Boston area by numerous Roman Catholic priests.

As the new editor Marty Baron, walks into The Boston Globe he starts making changes everywhere, including the Spotlight team. At first reluctant to take the new story, they quickly invest their days into it as more evidence presents itself before them.

The movie does not shy away from questioning the system, and neither do the Spotlight team member hesitate from demanding answers from their friends who have been involved. It creates some of the most intense moments in the film as you see them confronting their colleagues and questioning themselves about the right path to take.

The film stays restricted in few places among few characters and we still see their entire world, their lives outside the office and the case and learn about them. Within 129 minutes we see complete character arcs for at least 5 characters in the film.

This is the best example for a film that does not take plot devices to run the screen time but actual internal struggles and it does it right.

The film might seem slow for people who are used to action packed film, but this one has action too just the different kind. It is a must watch for everyone to understand society and its dark side.

Verdict: Spotlight exposes the dark alleys of the system.

**** stars.

#movies #Drama #4stars