Spotlight: Movie Review

"Spotlight" is as shocking as it is as riveting. The film is the perfect example of how a thriller can be effective even without any fights and guns-a-blazing action. The ensemble cast solidly delivers on a premise that has the workings and design to leave audiences in scandalously shocked.

In 2001, The Boston Globe hires a new editor, Marty Baron (Liev Schreiber). Baron meets Walter "Robby" Robinson (Michael Keaton), the editor of the Spotlight team, a small group of journalists writing investigative articles that take months to research and publish. He wants Robby and his Spotlight team to do research on the Archbishop of Boston and the possible cover up he has done regarding the sexual abuse of the priest John Geoghan on children.

"Spotlight" is effective because of a lot of ways. The premise and plot itself, is by design, interesting and shocking to say the least. But what really sets "Spotlight" apart is the performance the cast provides. Each character, may it be the leads or supporting cast or even minor characters, delivers in every front. The film feels authentic not only in its presentation but most importantly, the emotions that each character convey in the difficult situations they find themselves. One of our favorite scenes in the film does not even consist of any of the ensemble actors but a minor character who tells his abuse story. It also helps that "Spotlight" is well-balanced. Even with more than a handful leads, the film was able to provide ample time for each main character to tell their story. A very rare feat in which others usually implode. The only gripe we have on "Spotlight" is that it lacks any depth on the priests' side. We only know the abuses but we do not get much banter on that front. Overall though, "Spotlight" is raw and real. It's a film that will affect you in the most subtle of ways but when it hits you, it hits you hard.

Rating: 4 and a half reels

Why you should watch it:
- great performances from its ensemble cast
- well-balanced film

Why you shouldn't watch it:
- we would have wanted if the film explored further on its antagonists, the abusive priests