I admit I was initially reluctant to see SPOTLIGHT but the cast and early reviews had me intrigued. The film (directed by Tom McCarthy and written by McCarthy and Josh Singer) tells the true story of The Boston Globe investigation into the Catholic church's cover up of several years of child sexual abuse.

‘Spotlight’ is a column in the Boston Globe newspaper dedicated to in-depth stories that take months of research. When Marty Baron (played by Liev Schrieber) takes over as the paper's new editor, he convinces the small "Spotlight" crew to investigate the Catholic Church sexual abuse and cover ups in Boston; a city seemingly controlled by the church. As the team investigates, they uncover more and more shocking truths that lead to much more than expected.

Although all of the key players have ample screen time, the main focus seems to be Mike Rezendes, played by Mark Ruffalo. Knowing him mostly as the Hulk in Marvel's AVENGERS movies, it was nice to see him showcase his range. He convincingly plays a man obsessed with his work at the expense of his personal life and marriage. Michael Keaton, Rachel McAdams, Brian d’Arcy James, and John Slattery as Ben Bradlee Jr. play the remainder of the ‘Spotlight’ team terrifically. I found Liev Schreiber, as Mary Baron the new Boston Globe editor, very captivating. 

The victims were portrayed in a decent manner, but I somehow didn't feel their performances were quite at the same level. The interviews were certainly difficult to watch and I was surprised how much detail they went into. At times it was very uncomfortable to hear what happened, but an important part of the story that had to be told.

I truly feel for the hundreds, rather thousands of victims of this major epidemic! Not only were they physically violated, but spiritually as well. They lost faith in people who they trusted and in the very religion they needed! A quick payoff, cover up, and these poor kids were expected to keep it all quiet. In some cases even the victims’ parents urged them to keep it quiet, because nothing was more important to them than supporting their church.

SPOTLIGHT was quite a long film, and some of the fast-paced, legal dialogue can be a challenge to follow, but the overall story is one of years of abuse and cover-ups by the Catholic Church. Yes, the actual article exposed the Catholic Church and gave voices to hundreds of victims. It's certainly not something that should be forgotten. It's crucial for their story to be told again and again if necessary so that no victims feel alone, ashamed or afraid to come forward. SPOTLIGHT is not a feel good movie and I left the theater feeling quite somber and emotionally exhausted, but it is a great medium for retelling a story that must be heard!

I give it an 8.5 out of 10.