Spotlight (2015, dir. Thomas McCarthy)

In one of the most intriguing and revealing scenes in Thomas McCarthy's brilliant new film "Spotlight", journalist Sasha Pfeiffer (Rachel McAdams) visits a former Catholic priest who has allegedly molested boys in his past.  When she questions him about the accusations, he doesn't deny it.  Interestingly and horrifyingly, he even justifies his actions and says that his sexual violations were not harmful, that they were even A-OK.  This exchange in the film highlights the very nature of the disease that "Spotlight" deals with:  the unassuming, nonchalant nature that underlies Catholicism's cover-up, denial and dealings with the terrible things that have gone on for decades, perhaps centuries and the lack of insight that the priests themselves have about the nature of their own misdeeds.

"Spotlight" is a riveting, audacious look at the 2001-2002, Boston Globe expose on the perpetration of child molestation by members of the Catholic Clergy in Boston, Massachusetts.  In exposing the facts, the crack team of journalists, a facet of the Globe known as "Spotlight", pushed the ignorance and denial of the higher-ups in the Catholic Church to the forefront of the nation's view and, in so doing, made similar corruption reveal itself in the entire world.

The "Spotlight" team is lead by Walter "Robby" Robinson (Michael Keaton).  His journalist team consists of Michael Rezendes (Mark Ruffalo), Pfeiffer, and Matt Carroll (Brian d'Arcy James).  Higher-ups at the Globe are played by Liev Schreiber and John Slattery.  There are many more members of the stellar cast and they all do a fantastic job.

This is one of the best films on journalism there is.  It surpasses even "All the President's Men".  It is thrilling to watch from beginning to end and always holds your attention.  The excitement is maintained by the impeccable screenplay.  There is never a false moment and the trajectory of the entire investigation is always clear and concise.  Through the editing and pacing, you get a real sense of the tiring, compulsive search for information and leads that the journalists go through.  The threat of deadlines loom, and the race against time is palpable.

This is the best film I've seen yet this year.  It is an unforgettable, lively drama that will stay with you.