Spotlight

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2:31

Spotlight

R

Released Nov 20, 2015

2h 8m

Drama

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

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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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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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

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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

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Peter M

Great movie. The only flaw was that Mark Ruffalo really is a poor actor. I would not recommend this move because of this.

Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars

06/17/25

Full Review

Jay W

This is a great example of how to do an ensemble picture. There are so many big-name actors in this film, all of them have their own character arcs and important roles in the larger story. In less talented hands, this number of characters could either get lost in the shuffle or feel bloated and overstuffed. But Tom McCarthy finds an appropriate balance of all the characters and story beats. Never did I have a hard time remembering what the characters were doing or what their personality was like. The story and how the story is interesting and the way it unfolds is engaging. It was a timely message when it came out, but it remains a timeless message. Have courage and speak up against what is wrong.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

06/17/25

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

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Tom McCarthy

Director

Mark Ruffalo

Michael Rezendes

Michael Keaton

Walter "Robby" Robinson

Rachel McAdams

Sacha Pfeiffer

Liev Schreiber

Marty Baron

John Slattery

Ben Bradlee Jr.

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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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