Cert 15
129 mins
BBFC advice: Contains child sexual abuse references
In my opinion, this is the best movie about journalism since Citizen Kane. Yes, even better than All The President's Men.
Of course, it matters that Spotlight's subject is a true-life investigation into the appalling widescale abuse of children by priests in the Catholic church.
But the particular potency of Tom McCarthy's film for me was its portrayal of journalists.
So often TV and cinema has stereotyped those in my profession as uncaring drunks who don't give a fig about any collateral damage as long as they get their story.
The truth is that journalists may often be idiosyncratic oddballs but they almost always have a deep passion for their writing and their subjects.
They can be socially inept but very bright as exemplified by Boston Globe editor Marty Baron (Liev Schreiber) or be able to exploit social skills and powers of persuasion like Walter Robinson (Michael Keaton).
Actually, the Spotlight figure who resonated most was Mike Rezendes (a driven reporter who seems to find it impossible to sit still and is played by Mark Ruffalo). I have known many of his ilk over the years.
Interestingly, since watching this amazing film I asked Sacha Pfeiffer, who is played by Rachel McAdams, how close the on-screen representations were of the Boston Globe staff.
I was delighted when she confirmed they were extremely similar.
I digress. McCarthy's movie highlights the amazing detective work of the Globe's team in the pursuit of their story as well as their doggedness in the face of outside pressures.
What they discovered was not only a heinous catalogue of crime but also one of the major cover-ups of modern times.
Spotlight demonstrates why journalism is so important and should inspire those of us in the industry.
But is also a drama to match any to hit the big screen over recent years.
It is superbly written by McCarthy and Josh Singer, and acted with supreme precision by a magnificent cast.
Reasons to watch: an important story brilliantly written and acted
Reasons to avoid: sensitive child abuse subject matter
Laughs: none
Jumps: none
Vomit: none
Nudity: none
Overall rating: 10/10
Star Tweet
Mark Ruffalo To clear up any confusion. I will be going to the Oscars in support of the victims of clergy Sexual Abuse and good journalism. #Spotlight