Spotlight

Spotlight

Year: 2015

Runtime: 128 min

Language: French

Director: Thomas McCarthy

BiographyDramaHistoryThriller

A team of investigative journalists at The Boston Globe, known as Spotlight, embarks on a courageous quest to expose a disturbing pattern of sexual abuse within the Catholic Church. Their meticulous reporting uncovers a decades-long cover-up, revealing how institutional failings allowed predators to act with impunity. The story’s revelations shake the foundations of the Church and have far-reaching consequences, sparking a global reckoning and challenging the abuse of power.

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Timeline – Spotlight (2015)

Trace every key event in Spotlight (2015) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Marty Baron Becomes Editor

In 2001, Marty Baron is appointed as the new editor of The Boston Globe. His arrival marks a pivotal change in the newspaper's investigative journalism approach, particularly for the Spotlight team.

2001 The Boston Globe
2

Spotlight Team Introduction

Baron meets Walter 'Robby' Robinson, the experienced editor of the Spotlight team. This small group of journalists is dedicated to conducting in-depth investigative reports, working under the supervision of Ben Bradlee Jr.

The Boston Globe
3

Intriguing Column Sparks Investigation

Baron reads a compelling column by attorney Mitchell Garabedian that raises serious allegations against Cardinal Law. Motivated by these claims, he urges the Spotlight team to explore the priest abuse scandal further.

The Boston Globe
4

Consultation with Eric Macleish

The Spotlight team consults their company lawyer, Eric Macleish, who warns them about the challenges of sexual abuse cases. He explains the short statute of limitations and the reluctance of victims to come forward.

The Boston Globe
5

Contacting Mitchell Garabedian

Michael Rezendes reaches out to Garabedian, who is initially dismissive of the request for an interview. Through skillful persuasion, Rezendes convinces him to share his insights about the abuse cases.

6

Investigation Expands

As the investigation deepens, the team uncovers a disturbing pattern of sexual abuse by priests. They learn of widespread cover-ups orchestrated by the Boston Archdiocese and a multitude of silenced victims.

Massachusetts
7

Discovering the Scope of Abuse

Thanks to Paul Saviano from a victims' rights group, the Spotlight team enlarges their focus to investigate **thirteen** priests. This expansion reveals just how systemic the abuse has been within the Catholic Church.

8

Uncovering Hidden Settlements

The team finds out that settlements between the Church and victims were conducted secretly. Additionally, they discover that the Church misled the public, claiming that offending priests had been removed from service.

9

Learning About Additional Predators

Armed with information from an ex-priest, the Spotlight team learns of approximately ninety predators in Boston. This leads them to compile a list of eighty-seven names of those involved in abusive acts.

Boston
10

Tension with Macleish

Robby and Sacha confront Macleish for a list of priests associated with settlements. During a tense exchange, Robby succeeds in obtaining a buried list of 45 priests, marking a significant breakthrough in their investigation.

11

September 11 Impact

The investigation faces a setback due to the events of September 11, which temporarily stalls the Spotlight team's progress. However, they eventually regain focus on their critical work in uncovering the abuse.

September 11, 2001
12

Accessing Legal Documents

The Spotlight team finally gains access to additional legal documents that confirm Cardinal Law's awareness of the abuse. This evidence significantly supports their claims and prepares them for publication.

13

Preparing for Publication

The team is ready to publish their groundbreaking findings in early 2002. Reflecting on the past, Robinson reveals he had previously received a list of twenty pedophile priests back in 1993 that was ignored.

Early 2002
14

Publishing Articles and Victims’ Responses

When the articles are published, they include a powerful call for victims to come forth. This results in a surge of phone calls from individuals ready to share their harrowing stories of abuse.

15

Outcome and Cardinal Law's Resignation

By December 2002, the Spotlight team publishes 600 stories of abuse linked to 249 priests in Boston. Cardinal Law resigns but is reassigned to a prestigious position in Rome, highlighting the deep-seated issues within the Church.

December 2002 Rome

Last Updated: November 16, 2024 at 11:30

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Spotlight Summary

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Spotlight Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in Spotlight

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Spotlight

More About Spotlight

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More About Spotlight

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