SPOTLIGHT (2015)

Opening in 1976 with a short scene filled with dread (a portent of things to come), Spotlight then fast-forwards to 2001, when the tiny "Spotlight" division of the offices of The Boston Globe (a team that does long-term investigative journalism) is given the task of checking into allegations of sexual abuse committed by a priest.  What starts off as a rumble quickly turns to a roar, as the team uncovers more and more victims, survivors of abuse from priests all over the city - the state - even beyond.  Featuring a terrific ensemble cast led by Michael Keaton (including Oscar nominee Mark Ruffalo), Spotlight details the investigation that would come to expose a major cover up by the Catholic Church, as well as open the doors to similar, criminal investigations around the world.  Pretty intense stuff, and more than once in the film I had to cry for what the victims had gone through, not just in the abuse but also in the taking away of their innocence and faith.  Based on the real-life Pulitzer Prize-winning investigation, and deserving of every accolade (and prize) it gets. (rated R)  A