Review of Spotlight (2015) by Kevin P — 04 Jul 2017

Wow. This is an incredible film. This movie takes an unflinching look at the investigation and circumstances surrounding the massive-scale child abuse perpetrated by priests and covered up by the Catholic Church.

And man, is it powerful. It seems like a movie about journalists would be on the dull side, but this movie was totally engrossing. It's so well written and constructed, the 2-hour run-time passed in a flash, and it even left me wanting more.

As the characters learn about how widespread the problem is, you can literally watch their shock and horror grow... as does the viewer's. In making a film like this, it's easy to blame the corrupt institution that perpetuated this violence, but this film takes it to another level and makes it abundantly clear that there is enough blame to go around.

This abuse was systemic, not only within the church, but within our culture. As it is so eloquently stated in the movie, "If it takes a village to raise a child, it takes a village to abuse one." My only criticism is that the beginning felt a little rushed, I wish they had spent more time explaining who was who.

While "The Revenant" is excellent filmmaking, "Spotlight" is excellent storytelling.... and a well-told story will get my vote every time. Actors at the top of their game, competent direction, and fantastic writing combine to make what I believe should be the Best Picture winner.

I already want to see it again.