Spotlight
By S. Jhoanna Robledo,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Powerful, intense film about Boston church abuse scandal.
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Spotlight
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Based on 3 parent reviews
A Powerful Film
What's the Story?
In 2002, following the arrival of new editor-in-chief, Marty Baron (Liev Schreiber), the Boston Globe's investigative reporters -- Michael Rezendes (Mark Ruffalo), Sacha Pfeiffer (Rachel McAdams), and Matty Carroll (Brian d'Arcy James), who are members of an internal team called SPOTLIGHT -- and their editor, Walter Robinson (Michael Keaton), are assigned to look into abuse allegations against the Catholic Church. In a city like Boston, where the church looms large, it's a tall order, and one that involves a little bit of soul-searching ... and a whole lot of digging.
Is It Any Good?
Put simply, this drama will likely make journalists want to be better at their job and Catholics either quit or commit themselves to making the church do better. It's that thought-provoking. Told with few flourishes -- relying instead on fine storytelling, a strong script, and a deliberate-but-insistent pace -- Spotlight immediately feels timeless, telling an All the President's Men-like story with the same gravitas and intelligence as that classic.
Credit goes primarily to the stellar cast, a disciplined group that doesn't give into the usual over-acting that hobbles some "prestige movies." Kudos also to screenwriter Josh Singer, who has approached the subject matter with palpable care and empathy. Spotlight makes viewers think about how an unquestioning faith in institutions may not just be inadvisable, but devastating.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how Spotlight depicts journalists doing their job (and sometimes failing at it). What pressures do they face? Does the film put journalists on a pedestal or humanize them?
What role does the media play in society? Does that role change based on the type of media (print, online, broadcast)? Do you have different expectations for reliability/accountability from the different forms of media? Why or why not?
How does the film show how systemic injustices take root? Is there any way to prevent them?
How do the journalists in Spotlight demonstrate integrity and teamwork? Why are these important character strengths?
Movie Details
- In theaters: November 6, 2015
- On DVD or streaming: February 23, 2016
- Cast: Michael Keaton , Mark Ruffalo , Rachel McAdams
- Director: Tom McCarthy
- Inclusion Information: Female actors
- Studio: Open Road Films
- Genre: Drama
- Character Strengths: Integrity , Teamwork
- Run time: 128 minutes
- MPAA rating: R
- MPAA explanation: some language including sexual references
- Award: Academy Award
- Last updated: July 17, 2023
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