Movie Review: ‘Spotlight’ suggests real investigative journalism is alive and well

MOVIE REVIEW: “SPOTLIGHT” (R)

“Spotlight” might just be one of the strongest movies ever made about investigative journalism. It’s an understated kindred spirit to “All the President’s Men.” With its rather dark subject matter regarding a religious institution, it also offers up moments that might remind one of “Sleepers” and “Doubt.”

Keep in mind, as impactful as “Spotlight” is, it isn’t exactly the feel good movie of the holiday season. Still, for those of you looking for a provocative film with stellar performances and impeccable writing, this one is well worth checking out.

“Spotlight” is the true story of the Boston Globe’s legendary Spotlight team and how their delving into disturbing allegations involving the Catholic Church in 2001 would reveal a decades-long cover up. With new Globe editor-in-chief Marty Baron (played by Liev Schrieber) and Spotlight editor Walter “Robby” Robinson (played by Michael Keaton) leading the charge, a team of reporters would ultimately make a startling discovery after conducting a follow-up in a case involving a priest accused of child molestation.

“Spotlight” was written and directed by the great Tom McCarthy (“The Visitor,” “The Station Agent”) and while the subject matter is certainly of the hot topic variety, it is handled with delicacy and class. What’s more, “Spotlight” is restrained. A contingent of the Catholic Church is certainly the primary focus of the movie, and while certain members of the cloth are clearly painted in a negative light here, McCarthy is quick to point a finger at other guilty parties as well, and this gives “Spotlight” a kind of unexpected balance.

The ensemble of “Spotlight” is positively stellar. Schreiber is quietly effective as Baron. When Baron first takes on his new position at the Globe, his decisions are frowned upon by those around him until it becomes perfectly clear that he is a man of integrity. Keaton is superb as Robinson, a veteran newsman who quickly realizes there’s much more than just a story at play here. Rachel McAdams does some of her finest work as Spotlight reporter Sacha Pfeiffer. A moment in which she interviews a priest suspected of molestation is enough to chill you to the bone. However, of the entire ensemble, it’s Mark Ruffalo who impresses the most as excitable Mike Rezendes, a passionately driven reporter who would make strides in a very controversial case mostly by way of his bond with a cautious attorney (beautifully played by Stanley Tucci).

The media is often painted the villain (in many cases, rightfully so), most notably in today’s darkly lit global landscape, but “Spotlight” shows us the other side of the news, a side where integrity and doing the right thing reigns supreme and a side where individuals must hold themselves accountable for their own actions no matter what the outcome might be.

There are so many powerful moments in this picture. A scene in which Bill Crudup’s shifty lawyer, Eric Macleish, opens Robinson’s eyes to the realization of how blinded even he’s been when it comes to the story at hand is poignant and hard-hitting.

For all its touchy subject matter and condemnation of a religious institution, this is really a story about doing the right thing and how just a few people willing to speak up can make a difference. There’s no statute of limitations on the truth. “Spotlight” is one of the best films of the year.