Spotlight (2/23/2016)

Rated R for some language including sexual references.

Starring Mark Ruffalo, Michael Keaton, Rachel McAdams, Liev Schreiber, Billy Crudup, Stanley Tucci and John Slattery

Directed by Thomas McCarthy (The Cobbler, The Visitor)

Definitely not a lighthearted, popcorn-enjoying film.

Spotlight tells the riveting true story of the Pulitzer Prize-winning Boston Globe investigation that would rock the city and cause a crisis in one of the world’s oldest and most trusted institutions. When the newspaper’s tenacious “Spotlight” team of reporters delve into allegations of abuse in the Catholic Church, their year-long investigation uncovers a decades-long cover-up at the highest levels of Boston’s religious, legal, and government establishment, touching off a wave of revelations around the world. Directed by Academy Award-nominee Thomas McCarthy, Spotlight is a tense investigative thriller, tracing the steps to one of the biggest crime stories in modern times.

I want to start by saying that I absolutely hate the story. Not how the story is told, but the actual true story. I know most people would agree that it is beyond sickening knowing that this has happened to so many people. But as a 20-year veteran in student ministries, it’s even more heartbreaking and disturbing.

The cast is absolutely amazing. And that’s exactly what Thomas McCarthy needed to make this film watchable, because it has two very significant things working against it – the subject matter and the fact that most of the scenes involve the characters engaging in heavy dialogue. But the star power of Mark Ruffalo, Michael Keaton, Rachel McAdams, Liev Schreiber, Billy Crudup, and John Slattery really shone through and keeps the audience intrigued.

You couldn’t ask for a better ensemble cast to be in this important, well-researched, well-written and well-made film that tells a very ugly story – it’s “Theater Worthy.”

SHOULD KIDS SEE IT?
The film centers on the issue of child sexual abuse and contains dramatized scenes where several victims recount their experiences, providing details of the abuse and the trauma they suffered. Although no sex or nudity shown onscreen, there are many discussions of how victims were raped or molested by priests.

There are 7 F-words, 20 S-words, and graphic sexual dialogue

CONVERSATION STARTER:

1. Besides the horrific acts committed by priest, what was the bigger story in this film?


2. Have you ever done something wrong and tried to “cover it up”? What happened?

Read Numbers 32:23b

“you may be sure that your sin will find you out.”


3. What do you think this verse means?


4. What should we do about our sin?

Read 1 John 1:9

But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness.