“We’re going after the system” five words that are so minuscule but have such a huge impact on the story that they are in. Spotlight is a tale of a group of journalists trying to uncover the truth to the people of Boston who are blind, deaf or both to the horrors that occurred or still occurring in their very backyards.

It is an enthralling tale as the journalists, played by an all-star cast including Mark Ruffalo, Rachel McAdams, and Stanley Tucci, struggle their way through interviews, court cases, and denials. The movie tells of the Catholic church scandals and the article published about it in 2002. Though interesting to some, including me, the movie might be lost to those who are not interested in the journalistic side of the world.

The beginning starts off a little slowly, but the slow beginning is reminiscent of the slow starts of finding a story. This slowing and speeding up of scenes remind me of the inner workings of a newsroom or a story. It is a unique effect that really adds to the movie in ways other effects can’t.

There are powerful lines and scenes in the movie that doesn't do justice with a simple word. During the middle of the movie Stanley Tucci’s character, Mitchell Garabedian, says, “He’s one of the lucky ones he’s still alive,” creating a powerful moment and a reason to fight for the rest of the movie.

Another scene that is powerful is not even one scene but a series of scenes while a choir of children sings Silent Night. These scenes of transition where the music plays over them give the movie depth and allow the viewer to really take in what they are seeing.

Fun Facts

Spotlight, was brought to the big screen in 2015 almost 13 years after the original article was published in the Boston Globe. The scandals that are described in the movie go on way before that as well. The story is of a group of journalists, known as Spotlight, as they crack down on the Catholic church and their abuse of young kids. The movie itself was the winner of two Oscars: Best Screenplay and Best Picture.

The actors themselves are incredible in their roles. They are really into the character and are up to speed in terms of what journalism is really like and they are able to keep up with that speed. It is breathtaking to watch as they dart across the scene as they pick up a lead or something big is revealed to them.

Mark Ruffalo, who was also nominated for an Oscar in this movie, was incredible in the way he acted out certain scenes. There was one scene where his character, Mike, got extremely enraged shouting, “It’s time Robbie! It’s time! They knew and they let it happen to kids!” This scene really resonates with me because it puts everything that happened in the movie thus far into perspective. It really is the tipping point of the movie and shows the morals of the journalists and who they are fighting for.

Barron does is not shown in very many scenes, but his presence and his messages are powerful for the little time that he is shown. He is the biggest driving factor of the whole entire movie and I found that interesting and intriging.

Spotlight, is a beautifully mastered piece of media, showing the real lives of journalists and their struggles. While lost to some, it proved to be a huge success when it comes to telling a story tat needed to be told.