Spotlight is a film that covers Catholic priest sexual molestation of children. The movie opens with two police officers discussing the arrest of Fr. John Geoghan. However, a senior police officer warns his juniors of consequences if they discuss the matter with the media. Twenty-five years later, a spotlight team starts investigating and publishing articles concerning sexual abuse of children by priests. Besides, the spotlight team is trying to unravel a cover-up orchestrated by Boston Archdiocese to protect priests. A former priest, Richard Sipe, reveals that most of the priests are sexually active.
The story covering the sexual abuse of children by Catholic priests is temporarily overshadowed by the 9/11 attack. However, in 2002, Cardinal Bernard Law stepped down and apologized to members of the public. The corruption seems systemic. The film shows a painful truth of psychological distress caused by the molestation of children by Catholic priests. The children suffer from mental torture while the archdiocese is trying to protect the integrity of the church. Priests all over the world are known for sexual abuse, but not many people are confident enough to come forward and condemn the act.
Catholics hold a record of priests molesting children, and no serious legal action has been taken against the perpetrators. Most of the priests who are ex-communicated from serving due to such behaviors are eventually acquitted and promoted. Although Cardinal Law was implicated and forced to step down, he was later promoted. The movie focuses on people's particulars as well as the broader political delineations of the indignities coordinated by the church.
