'Spotlight' - Review

Director: Tom McCarthy
Cast: Mark Ruffalo, Michael Keaton, Rachel McAdams, Liev Schreiber, John Slattery, Stanley Tucci.
Release Date (UK): January 29

Despite not having a single explosion or heavily choreographed fight sequence, Spotlight proves to be equally thrilling to any action film you may have seen this past year.

Spotlight follows The Boston Globe's investigative unit (called Spotlight) as they attempt to delve into and gather information about the cases of widespread child sex abuse in Boston by numerous Roman Catholic Priests. However, the team are unprepared for what their investigating reveals as they are made aware of the severity of the situation.

Many films claim to have an ensemble cast, but Spotlight can truth
fully boast one - and the cast they have assembled is phenomenal. Every single performance blends seamlessly together and ultimately creates the sense of collaboration and teamwork that the team Spotlight affects. Whilst Keaton is authoritative as the leader of the coverage and McAdams is personable as the team's sole female reporter, Mark Ruffalo arguably gives the standout performance. Ruffalo clearly makes some strong and definitive character choices that feel noticeably absent from the other actors performances and he once again proves he is one of the most consistent and reliable talents in Hollywood. The film also resists the temptation to explore each individual character's personal life and keeps the focus solely on the investigation. However, further credit goes to the actors as the audience still feel fully connected to the characters despite knowing so little about them.

This feeling of attachment is also attributed to the writing, as the character and story development is expertly crafted. Initially, Spotlight are reluctant to investigate the scandal and we witness them go through the motions of reporting as they would do any other case. However, as the investigation continues, each member of the team becomes emotionally involved to such a degree that it affects their personal life and views on the Catholic Church.

As previously mentioned, McCarthy keeps the focus and attention narrowed, with the emphasis clearly placed on the victims of the abuse. Spotlight doesn't have the characters pump their fists into the air or indulge in jubilation when they uncover information crucial to their search, and they don't receive pats on the back from their superiors. Although the achievements made by the Spotlight team were incredible, the team are never glorified or viewed as heroes; but they provide those who have had their voices squashed an opportunity to speak out. The film's ending is also fitting and appropriate as it begins to show the aftermath of Spotlight's reporting, but it also hints that their work is far from over.

Unsurprisingly, Spotlight is a serious contender in this year's awards race and rightfully so as it is arguably one of the most important films of the past few years.