Gripping and compelling to watch, sad in it's outcome ultimately

Rating: 7/10 (9 February 2016)

There's no slowing down with the excellent films out in the early part of 2016 and here we have an Oscar Nominated film based on the true story of the Boston Global discovering the huge cover up of child molestation within the Catholic Church, a hugely controversial and sobering subject.
After a brief scene from 1974 the film takes us to 2001 where the Boston Globe's Spotlight team are charged with investigating the allegation of historical sexual abuse by a Catholic priest on a minor. The whole story is gripping but you can't help feeling saddened that this could have been allowed to go on and worse still denied, covered up and families paid off by the Catholic Church. It's unbelievably flabbergasting.
The actors here are superbly cast, each delivering a sterling performance but a special nod has to go to Michael Keaton who, since his resurgence in Birdman, has found his former glory and is on outstanding form here. I'm also a big fan of Mark Ruffalo and whilst initially finding his performance uncomfortable it grew on me and by the end appreciated how much individuality and passion he brings to his role. Also worth mentioning Liev Schreiber (playing Marty Baron, the editor) who whilst isn't that well known delivers an brilliant performance, I'll certainly be keeping an eye out for his future roles.
Overall it's a superb film covering an extremely saddening topic and as the credits role you do feel somewhat shocked at the extent of the abuse and the lengths the Catholic Church have gone to cover it up. It's not going to be for everyone, I imagine some people would rather just not know, but if you're remotely interested then it's definitely worth seeing.