An exciting, dramatized account of a true story

Rating: 9/10 (12 February 2016)

Director: Tom McCarthy Writers: Josh Singer, Tom McCarthy Stars: Mike Rezendes (Mark Ruffalo), Walter 'Robby' Robinson (Michael Keaton), Sacha Pfeiffer (Rachel McAdams), Marty Baron (Liev Schreiber)
Worth it? ★★★★★
Boston Globe's new editor Marty Baron's (Liev Schreiber) decision to follow up on on a column story turns into a breaking news that rivets the quiet Boston town. This piece is assigned to Spotlight, Boston Globe's investigative journalism team. The team is headed by Walter 'Robby' Robinson (Michael Keaton) along with team members Mike Rezendes (Mark Ruffalo), Sacha Pfeiffer (Rachel McAdams), and Matt Carroll (Brian d'Arcy James). With the help of righteous attorney Mitchell Garabedian (Stanley Tucci) and various other members of the judicial circle and forthcoming victims, Spotlight uncovers how the Boston Catholic church community has been systematically covering up child-molesting priests who intentionally target victims of disadvantaged backgrounds.
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The story unfolds as a trivial column on the Boston Globe catches the eye of the new editor. Step by step, we are invited to join this adventure by following the main characters. Mark Ruffalo is outstanding in this film. From make up to temperament, he nails the stubbornness and instability of a relentless reporter. Keaton's charm and sharp industry-sense as a seasoned team head and reporter are also mesmerizing. The scene where he confronts attorney and friend with tears glistening in his eyes is testament to his (and to a certain extent his team's) mixed feelings towards exposing the church. What does this say about them to let this story slip under their radars for so long? What does the exposure mean about them as Catholics? Rachael McAdams still feels very "Rachael-y," compared to Ruffalo and Keaton who completely leave their personal identities and previous roles (Hulk and Birdman, respectively) behind. Tom McCarthy's directing and script writing bring life to the characters. Every frown to every "fuck" draws us closer to the struggles of these mortals.
The story is well crafted with an undercurrent of fear, insecurity and a feverous pursuit of justice. The cinematography is clean and simple -- which is perfect, to contrast the intensity effusing in the journalism industry. The only point that nags me is the pristine conditions of the props. Crisp folders, smooth booklets, unwrinkled sheets, glossy leather couches, lack of coffee stains... all speak against tear and wear that come naturally with time and the hecticness associated with the journalism industry.
Don't expect any plot twist or foreshadowing of events -- this movie is basically a slightly dramatized account of a true story. The movie owes its impact factor to convincing acting and captivating topic. Splendid. Highly recommend this movie to anyone who is interested in a captivating true story. You'll have a great time watching how the events unfold!