Spotlight (2015), directed by Tom McCarthy

Difficult subject matter is treated with restraint and sensitivity, without evading its horror, in this acclaimed film. This is achieved by making the story the story, that is the investigative journalism that outed the massive cover-up of child sexual abuse in Boston by the Catholic Church over decades. Michael Keaton, Mark Ruffalo, Rachel McAdams, and Liev Schreiber lead a very good ensemble cast. After a rather slow start a deeply involving tale develops, with no-one exempt from complicity with the church’s crimes – the police, lawyers, schools and even the newspaper itself. This is a very good film that deserved its Oscars for best film and original screenplay and so much more. Extras include a round table interview of the actual Boston Globe reporters and editors, which is fascinating. The film highlights the importance of investigative journalism in uncovering scandals and holding public institutions to account, especially in current times where resources for such journalism are fast disappearing.