Silencing the victims
The movie shows the systematic silencing of victims of abuse through the years. It is done under the pretext of importance of the Church, the good side of it and the priests who are abusing their power behind closed doors. This is the excuse used by those who want to silence those who are trying to speak up, excuse by negating the importance of the issue by bringing forth the positive aspects of the system that supports the abusers.
Not enough evidence
The information about the pedophilia and abuse of children reached the Spotlight before it even became an issue. Robby himself admits at the end to knowing about it before, but not going forth with the investigation because there just wasn't enough evidence. It is shown throughout that Robby is one of the most passionate of all to reveal the truth, led on by his feeling of guilt for not doing it before.
A priest admiting
During her investigative work, Sacha comes across a priest who openly admits to her that he abused children. He tries to argue his actions by saying that he didn't do anything serious with them, at which point is becomes clear that the priest isn't entirely a stable person. What comes as a shocking person is the revelation by the ex-priest that he himself went through abuse, which adds to the large scale of the systematic abuse.
Courage of one person
The movie shows a domino effect of one person, in this case the editor Marty Baron, having the courage to stand up and get to the bottom of the truth, and then moving and motivating others as well. Everyone is apprehensive at first at Baron's decision to investigate the pedophilia and abuse that's been going on with the Church, mainly because of the gravity and importance of the institution, and the way it could backfire.
