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Spotlight

Play trailer 2:31 Poster for Spotlight R Released Nov 20, 2015 2h 8m Drama Play Trailer Watchlist
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97% Tomatometer 379 Reviews 93% Popcornmeter 50,000+ Ratings
In 2001, editor Marty Baron of The Boston Globe assigns a team of journalists to investigate allegations against John Geoghan, an unfrocked priest accused of molesting more than 80 boys. Led by editor Walter "Robby" Robinson (Michael Keaton), reporters Michael Rezendes (Mark Ruffalo), Matt Carroll and Sacha Pfeiffer interview victims and try to unseal sensitive documents. The reporters make it their mission to provide proof of a cover-up of sexual abuse within the Roman Catholic Church.
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Spotlight

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Critics Consensus

Spotlight gracefully handles the lurid details of its fact-based story while resisting the temptation to lionize its heroes, resulting in a drama that honors the audience as well as its real-life subjects.

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Critics Reviews

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Zach Schonfeld Newsweek Spotlight manages the seemingly impossible task of wooing journalists with authenticity while still elevating reporters to hero status, as they battle a formidable and corrupt institution with righteous determination. Feb 28, 2018 Full Review Michael Phillips Chicago Tribune Ruffalo gets top billing in the movie, and he brings some wonderfully lived-in behavioral details to his performance -- the quick, terrier-like movements of the head and the bitten-off sentences. Rated: 4/4 Feb 26, 2017 Full Review Sara Michelle Fetters MovieFreak.com Spotlight giving center stage to unsung warriors for truth who understood telling the story right, without embellishment, without melodramatic editorial excess, was the greatest victory of them all. Rated: 4/4 Aug 22, 2016 Full Review Pradeep Menon Firstpost Spotlight is a must-watch for people in the media, as well as people who consume the media, because it reaffirms a belief in the ideals of journalism. Nov 1, 2023 Full Review Mark Johnson Awards Daily It’s not just that it is a profound story, but one that is executed to perfection that draws out such emotion. Jun 14, 2023 Full Review Jennifer Bisset CNET [It] wound gripping tension into the unglamorous legwork of journalists, played by a perfectly-balanced ensemble including Mark Ruffalo, Michael Keaton and Rachel McAdams. Apr 20, 2023 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Steven M. Well-written and acted film! Michael Keaton and Rachel McAdams, especially, live up to expectations. Rated 4 out of 5 stars 11/15/21 Full Review steve d This story takes place loooong long ago back in an ancient time when journalistic integrity and credibility were still a thing. Great movie. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 06/07/25 Full Review Michael C For mature audiences, of course, but this movie gets high marks for culturally-relevant exposure of corruption and abuse of a vulnerable population by those who were thought to be above reproach. This is also the press doing exactly what was needed as the Fourth Estate. Engaging to watch due to its pacing and retelling of events around the time of 9/11. Highly recommended for any citizen of the USA or the world with the maturity to handle the material. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 05/30/25 Full Review Ethan C This film perfectly depicts the grittiness and true life events of journalist working tirelessly to uncover the story of the century. I love true life event movies but often get annoyed with the extra elements added to make it more “Hollywood”. Following the effort these journalist put into their craft, there is no need for the extra pizzaz. Wonderful acting all around. I especially have a fond for Liev’s portrayal of Mr. Baron. The calm figure who is guiding the ship through chaos; what a wonderful acting job. Overall love the no nonsense approach with this film. Let the story and events speak for themselves and have the camera just guide the viewer through the newsroom. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 05/20/25 Full Review Faiz D Spotlight is a great movie. It is powerful and thought provoking. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 05/13/25 Full Review Stephen C 2 hours and 8 minutes of "I care about more than myself!!!!!!!!!!" Rated 5 out of 5 stars 05/13/25 Full Review Read all reviews
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Movie Info

Synopsis In 2001, editor Marty Baron of The Boston Globe assigns a team of journalists to investigate allegations against John Geoghan, an unfrocked priest accused of molesting more than 80 boys. Led by editor Walter "Robby" Robinson (Michael Keaton), reporters Michael Rezendes (Mark Ruffalo), Matt Carroll and Sacha Pfeiffer interview victims and try to unseal sensitive documents. The reporters make it their mission to provide proof of a cover-up of sexual abuse within the Roman Catholic Church.
Director
Tom McCarthy
Producer
Michael Sugar, Steve Golin, Nicole Rocklin, Blye Pagon Faust
Screenwriter
Josh Singer, Tom McCarthy
Distributor
Open Road
Production Co
Anonymous Content, Rocklin/Faust
Rating
R (Some Language|Sexual References)
Genre
Drama
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Nov 20, 2015, Wide
Release Date (Streaming)
Feb 2, 2016
Box Office (Gross USA)
$45.0M
Runtime
2h 8m
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