I must begin by saying that I avoided watching this movie for the longest time. I knew the basic premise and I knew it dealt with controversies of the church, and although I may not be catholic in my faith, but still, there was a hesitation since I DO go to a church and believe in the Christian faith. I must say though,after watching the movie, that I did not feel uneasy about my faith one bit. Because this is not about God or Christianity, but the so-called representatives of God, who just bring shame to the name of religion and humanity. Based on Actual events, and nominated for 6 Academy Awards, Spotlight won Best Picture & Best Original Screenplay at the Oscars....and deservedly so.
Spotlight is the story of a core investigative team of journalists working for a Boston Daily, whose main job includes investigating a single story which may take weeks to sometimes months of research. When their newly hired Editor-in-chief instructs them to take on the project of sexual abuse allegations by a Catholic Priest , they are hesitant, but on uncovering some layers, they get more more deeper into a hole they did not know even existed. They are challenged with their faith, their families, and the risk of delving in uncharted territory of Journalism.The results, at times, are not to their liking, or the audiences in general, but that's where the movie is truly victorious.
Now let me say this, although no one was expecting Spotlight to win, I do believe that it was well deserved. No, I'm not saying this coz they already won. I'm saying this because this is a hard story to tell with a neutral standpoint. Although,it is a story that definitely should be told. Being religious is not wrong. Believing in your Priest is also not wrong. But when there is a wrong-doing, it should be brought to light so that other people might be more cautious. Even in Kerala, India there have been many cases of child abuse by Priests, which have been swept under the rug. But this should stop, and soon!! That is exactly what these group of journalists wanted, and so did the film makers.
Mark Ruffalo is definitely the highlight of the cast but all-in-all it is a great ensemble. The real journalists on this must be really proud of the way they have been portrayed.
I'm going with 4.5 out of 5 for Spotlight. Definitely see this one. It's entertaining, hard-hitting and engaging.
Also, Below is a link of the Real article published in the Boston Globe Newspaper on Jan 6th 2002.
https://www.bostonglobe.com/news/special-reports/2002/01/06/church-allowed-abuse-priest-for-years/cSHfGkTIrAT25qKGvBuDNM/story.html
Keep Reeling!!
