"Spotlight" Review

Title: Spotlight

Directed by: Tom McCarthy

Screenplay by: Tom McCarthy and Josh Singer

Year: 2015


Spotlight is a film that came out of nowhere. I did not come across any news for this film during its production period, I never caught a trailer, and I did not even know of its release. But then I came across some reviews of the film, all of them praising it as one of the year's best. So naturally, I had to go out and see this film. All I knew about the film going in was the cast and the basic premise, and not much else. So I walked in not really knowing what to expect. And how did I walk out?

This film tells the true story of the Boston Globe's Spotlight writing team and their investigation into the Catholic church abuse that took place in Boston. As they delve deeper into the allegations, they realize this might be more than just a case of abuse, but perhaps a decades-long cover up.

One look at the cast list is enough to make jaws drop because this is an impeccable ensemble cast. And I truly mean ensemble because there is no main character. The star of the film is the diegetic writing team as a whole and each cast member brings their best to the table. Michael Keaton's career has seen a revival with last year's Birdman and now Spotlight. Keaton proves that he still has great work ahead of him as he is terrific in this picture. Rachel McAdams and Mark Ruffalo probably get the most screen time as they are the ones who do most of the investigating. Adams plays a very determined journalist who wants to get the story out on a moral level, and that goes double for Ruffalo's character. Most of the performances in this film are very quiet and restrained, making it more realistic, but Ruffalo gets one scene where he just blows up and it is fascinating to watch.

Brian d'Arcy James rounds out the Spotlight team and he gets significantly less screen time than Ruffalo, Adams, and Keaton, but his character might just be the most interesting. This event affects him on a personal level and James sells the emotion. Stanley Tucci gives a strong performance, even if he is more of a secondary or tertiary character. John Slattery is also in this movie and his interplay with Keaton is rather engaging. Liev Schreiber's character rather spearheads or sparks the investigation into the church and he plays this role magnificently. He takes a very humble and subdued approach to the character and it pays off well.

The screenplay by Tom McCarthy and Josh Singer is brilliant. Even though it is based on a true story, meaning the groundwork for the story was already laid out, you can still tell a lot of work went into the scripting process. The film fleshes out the members of the Spotlight team and does not shy away from the details of the case. This film is rated R and not for violence or swearing, but for the topics discussed and the implications of the situation. The film also does an incredible job at showing both sides of the story, and it is done in a single scene. Within one scene, we understand the mindset of some of the priests involved in this case.

McCarthy's direction is excellent. He clearly knows how to work with top actors and how to bring out the best of the script. The film feels expertly helmed and has the trappings for an essential watch. The camerawork is really great, with slow but effective movement and plenty of intimate shots. Conversational scenes are hypnotizing, partly because of the well written dialogue and partly because of the cinematography. The way the characters are framed and blocked is subtly done yet powerfully potent.

This is a film that will constantly surprise and floor you. With every revelation comes a heavy sense of shock that is evoked through the actors' performances and the direction. The film draws the audience in and wraps them up in the story. In many ways, this picture feels like a documentary, and I mean that as a compliment. We really get a sense of what was going through the minds of these reporters and a lot of that comes from subdued performances. No one overacts or exaggerates their role. The roles are played with class and rather calmly, while still maintaining an emotional edge, which is what makes these characters feel so real.

I have but one gripe with this film. As I mentioned earlier, Brian d'Arcy James' character is rather obviously pushed to the side in favor of Ruffalo, McAdams, and Keaton, and I think the film could have benefitted from telling more of his story. Some of the most pivotal and human moments of the film center around his character and it would have been nice to know more about him. Aside from that, I have no other problems with this film.

I do not want to give too much away so I will keep this review short. Spotlight is a very important and affecting picture. When the film ended and the credits came up, nobody in my screening got up and left. Everyone remained in their seats in silence because we were all surprised and deeply affected by what we just saw. This film is wonderfully cast, with each actor on top form, the script has been polished to a bright shine, and McCarthy's direction is methodical and suitable given the story. Spotlight is a truly riveting film that will no doubt be deemed essential viewing in the near future.

Grade: A