SPOTLIGHT REVIEW - A story that needed to be told

4/5

What a story. It is hard to believe this was going on right beneath our noses. This story focuses on the investigation by the Spotlight division of the Boston Globe. Pushed by a new boss, they uncover a ring of abuse and conspiracy that effects all levels of the justice system and carried out by the Church.

The screenplay written by Josh Singer and Tom McCarthy does really well here, building the mystery and tension as they uncover more. Tom McCarthy's direction is solid, focusing on the main players in the story, humanising where possible, but also showing the beauty of Boston with help from his cinematographer Masanobu Takayanagi.

The cast is strong and all perform well. Much has been made of how spot on Micheal Keaton's performance is but a typically emotional Mark Ruffalo improves all scenes he is in. Rachel McAdams balances this out well with a restrained performance. They all do well with what they are given but the story doesn't stray far from the investigation. Husbands and wives are mentioned but not seen, the toll the work is taking is hinted at but not scene so it could be argue that the character development is thin.

But does this matter? When dealing with a story this sensitive, so close to the knuckle, would the personal lives detract from this? Perhaps the run time didn't allow for it, sitting at 128 mins I doubt much more could be squeezed in. Saying this, the investigation itself is strong enough to carry this film and attention throughout.

A shocking story bolstered by strong, albeit limited, performances make this a captivating watch and a story that should be brought to prominence. Well worth a watch.