Page
Spotlight
- Summary
- How to watch
- News & features
❚ We may earn commission from links on this page. Our editorial is always independent (learn more).
Watch trailer
02:28
Spotlight
Save
- 2015
- Thomas McCarthy
- 123 mins
- 15
Summary
Oscar-winning drama based on a true story, starring Mark Ruffalo, Michael Keaton and Rachel McAdams. Boston, 2001: while researching a story about a priest accused of child abuse, journalists at The Boston Globe uncover evidence of other such cases and a massive cover-up by senior people in the Catholic Church.
Ad
Powered By
IMDB
Review
A star rating of 5 out of 5.
Stephen Carty
In 2001, The Boston Globe ran a story about a priest accused of child abuse. After digging deeper, the members of the paper's Spotlight team unearthed a number of similar stories, revealing evidence that led to countless other priests who had molested young boys. Their investigation also proved all of these scandals had been covered up by senior members of the Catholic Church. This extraordinary story from writer/director Tom McCarthy (The Station Agent) is brought vividly to life in a riveting drama that sticks mindfully to the facts. Portraying real events and real people, it discloses how a small, four-person team (played by Michael Keaton, Mark Ruffalo, Rachel McAdams, Brian d'Arcy James) exposed a shocking, widespread cover-up. For most of the film's running time, we follow these characters as they gather information, which isn't nearly as dull as it might sound. In fact, the film is utterly engrossing from start to finish, playing out as a detailed, quietly intelligent procedural in the style of All the President's Men, and praise cannot be heaped higher than that. The film was rewarded with Oscars for best picture and best original screenplay.
imdb-square
8.1/10
How to watch
Loading
Streaming
Credits
Cast
rolenameMichael Rezendes, "Mike"Mark RuffaloWalter "Robby" RobinsonMichael KeatonSacha PfeifferRachel McAdamsMartin "Marty" BaronLiev SchreiberBen Bradlee JrJohn SlatteryMatt CarrollBrian d'Arcy JamesMitchell GarabedianStanley TucciEric MacleishBilly CrudupPete ConleyPaul Guilfoyle (2)Jim SullivanJamey SheridanCardinal LawLen CariouRichard SipeRichard JenkinsPhil SavianoNeal Huff
Show more
Crew
rolenameDirectorThomas McCarthy
Details
Theatrical distributor
Entertainment One
Released on
2016-01-29
Languages
English
Guidance
Swearing
Available on
DVD and Blu-ray
Formats
Colour
News & features about Spotlight
-

This week's Radio Times spotlights the Winter Paralympics
The snow and ice show continues as Britain's Paralympians ski, glide and push for glory at Milano Cortina.
-

Pokémon Go Spotlight Hour January 2026 schedule
Every featured Pocket Monster and bonus event rewards
Ad
-

MasterChef goes back to basics in 2026 revamp
Did they pull it off?
-

Tom Baker addresses whether he’d return to Doctor Who on screen in future: "I am a great hogger of the spotlight"
Baker last appeared in Doctor Who on screen back in 2013.
-

What is Marvel Spotlight?
Marvel's latest series Echo falls under a whole new banner.
-

Marie & Rosetta review: Beverley Knight's powerhouse performance brings a forgotten musical hero into the spotlight ★★★★☆
This compelling production shines some much-needed light on a forgotten hero of musical history.
-

Boyzone docuseries is a reminder of how dangerous it was to be gay and in the spotlight
Have times changed now?
Ad
-

Birmingham MCM Comic Con confirm major X-Men star for spotlight panel
James McAvoy has been confirmed to appear at the event in November.
-

Brendan Fraser reveals impact of his years away from the spotlight: "There always was a light"
The Oscar winner is now playing a dad for hire in Japan, but could he soon be back in another Mummy movie?
-

Industry's Sweetpea finally gets her deserved spotlight – and her complex arc is one of the best of the season
Sweetpea is a different character in this season of Industry, but she's all the more captivating.
-

Pokémon Go May 2025: Raid schedule, Spotlight Hours and what to expect
All your May Raids.
-

Pokémon Go April 2025: Raid schedule, Spotlight Hours and what to expect
April showers bring Raid Hours.
-

Beyond Bend It Like Beckham: 15 impactful films and TV shows spotlighting South Asian Britain
Because as much as we like the classic 2002 film, it's not where representation starts and ends.
-

Twilight's Taylor Lautner vanished from spotlight to become werewolf hunter in new Amazon series
Lautner is returning to the world of werewolves.
-

Amanda Seyfried talks Mamma Mia 3, her religious new role, and why she doesn't envy "spotlight" on Sydney Sweeney
The Hollywood actor on speaking in tongues, her biggest fear, Wicked auditions and more Mamma Mia!
-

Slow Horses star reveals his new season 5 spotlight - and how he’d rather be James Bond than Q
Perhaps even Jackson Lamb’s slowest horses aren’t quite ready for the knacker’s yard? Christopher Chung is hot to trot.
-

How TV is dismantling the 'bad mother' trope
On International Women's Day, we're celebrating the strides TV has made to tackle a pernicious myth about motherhood.
-

Marvel Snap Spotlight Cache release date & details explained
Shining a spotlight on the new feature.
-

EastEnders' Angela Wynter reveals importance of Yolande's dark new story: "I felt I could tell this story and put a spotlight on this issue"
The actress discusses Yolande's harrowing sexual assault at the hands of Pastor Clayton.
-

How to get Zorua in Pokémon Go: Spotlight Hour delay explained
Add a new Dark-type to your collection.
-

EastEnders must put neglected couple Jay and Honey in the spotlight
Laura Denby explores how the BBC soap could bring two beloved characters back to the limelight.
-

EastEnders must put Nancy Carter in the spotlight when she returns
Johnathon Hughes hopes the character fulfils her potential this time.
-

The Pursuit of Love review: BBC show puts the spotlight on complex female friendships – and it's funny, too
Emily Mortimer's new BBC adaptation of the 1945 Nancy Mitford novel is pacy, entertaining, beautiful, and well-acted. It's also quite profound, writes Eleanor Bley Griffiths.
-

BBC to spotlight Marcus Rashford's child food poverty crusade in new documentary
The Manchester United footballer is also receiving a special honour at the Sports Personality Awards.
See more about Spotlight
Ad
Ad
Ad