Spotlight

[CormoranStrike]

This is one of those rare films that gripped me throughout and had me wanting to turn around and go straight to the next showing to see the all again.

Shown from the Boston Globe perspective, it covers the horror of the abuse and the appalling inaction, without unnecessarily dwelling on intimate detail, while not sparing us the horror. Yes, we heard specifically what happened to these children, but in a sensitive way, and the devastating aftermath was what was laid bare.

Film if the year so far for me, excellent acting all round, especially from Michael Keaton and Mark Gruffalo. And it's gripping to the last, even the closing seconds had my jaw dropping.

[Thenightswatch]

I've just watched this.

Amazing.

I'm very easily distracted but really could not stop watching this, had me immersed from the beginning. Very well acted, gripping story. Best film I've watched in a good while.

[Tomorrowisanewday]

I saw this last night. The cinema was packed, yet at the end, I have never heard such a busy room so quiet. As OP said, the acting was excellent, and the whole cast managed to deliver the horror without going into graphic detail. I almost cried when Michael Keaton's character realised that he was in charge of the newspaper section which had buried the story five years before.

[Ackvavit]

Superb. Just been this evening. I'm a Catholic and will continue to be. I have often questioned my faith and tonight is one of those moments. As a journalistic film it is outstanding .

[BagelfortheNewYear]

Amazing move, totally gripping and shocking even though the subject is, unfortunately, not unknown.

Great cast, good acting from everyone. Really worth seeing.

[Nepotism]

Loved it, a really grown up film with no distracting sub plots.

[MoonriseKingdom]

I nearly didn't watch this film because I thought the subject matter would be too upsetting. However, I am very glad I did, the film is excellent.

The gradual dawning on people of the communities collective guilt in covering things up was very well portrayed. I think it was very powerful at showing the ongoing effect on victims many years later without being graphic.

[Cleebope]

Loved it, though my friend beside me kept falling asleep. V interesting to think about the way an institution can powerfully but subtly control a community. Mark Ruffalo adorable as ever.

[iloveeverykindofcat]

Just seen it, a bit late - I thought it was very good indeed, could so easily have gone for lurid sensationalism but a really mature and sensitive handling. Excellent performances. The only thing that jarred for me were the couple of scenes where the one journalist stands and looks sadly at innocent children being innocent...I mean, we don't need convincing child abuse is bad, that felt a bit like the director going 'look, it's REALLY REALLY bad though' in a slightly clumsy/unnecessary way. But that was my only complaint.

[SingaSong12]

Im with Ackvavit - very thought provoking great film.