Spotlight, 2015 film directed by Todd McCarthy, arguably won Academy Award for Best Picture on the account of its real life relevancy, but only three years later it looks like a window into the past. The plot is actually set in not exactly the nearest past and begins in early 2000s, when group of experienced and dedicated Boston Globe reporters begins investigating the story about systematic child abuse by Catholic priest and the way those crimes were hushed up by Church hierarchy. One of the greatest (and still ongoing) scandals in recent history is presented in an "old school" conventional way, with mystery being gradually revealed and events shown from the perspective of journalistic professionals. In many ways inspired by classic journalistic thriller All the President’s Men, this film benefits from its serious tone and disciplined direction. Unfortunately, its depiction of socially relevant investigative journalism looks out of place in the today’s world dominated by clickbait headlines and media reduced to hyperpartisan echo chambers.
RATING: 7/10
