Absorbing and understated, Spotlight handles its complex subject matter with class, restraint and, vitally, balance.

A cast on their A-game add depth and humanity to their intriguing characters – who are refreshingly never over-adulated, instead being portrayed as the real people they are. Excellent casting ensures Spotlight remains a true ensemble piece as the actors expertly provide wonderful chemistry.

McCarthy’s quietly confident direction and framing ensures that the Church’s looming presence is never far from our minds – this and Shore’s sombre, evocative score happily take a back seat and allow McCarthy’s and Josh Singer’s powerful script to do the talking.

Serious and informative yet never less than engrossing, Spotlight could teach The Big Short a thing or two about how to depict a global scandal with subtlety, elegance and wisdom.

RATING: 4/5

INFORMATION

CAST: Mark Ruffalo, Michael Keaton, Rachel McAdams, John Slattery, Liev Schreiber, Stanley Tucci

DIRECTOR: Tom McCarthy

WRITERS: Tom McCarthy, Josh Singer

SYNOPSIS: The true story of how a group of Boston Globe journalists uncovered the widespread culture of child molestation and cover-up within the local Catholic community – thus shaking the Church to its core.

A preview screening of Spotlight was kindly provided by Entertainment One and FDA Showcase.