Spotlight - Ending Explained

The film's climax is not a chase or a confrontation, but the silent, rhythmic motion of the printing presses. The 'twist' occurs when Robby Robinson discovers a 1993 clipping where he himself was the editor who buried a story about 20 abusive priests. This revelation shifts the film's moral weight; it is no longer just about 'them' (the Church) but about 'us' (the press and the community). The ending titles reveal that Cardinal Law, rather than being punished, was reassigned to a prestigious position in Rome, highlighting the persistent resilience of institutional power even after exposure.

While generally viewed as a tribute to journalism, some critics have discussed the ambiguity of the 'outsider' perspective. While Marty Baron's status as a non-Catholic outsider is seen as a strength, some interpret the film as a critique of the limitations of local journalism, suggesting that those embedded in a community are often too compromised to see its flaws. Additionally, the ending has been interpreted not just as a victory, but as a somber acknowledgment of the infinite nature of the problem, as the final list of cities shows that the 'Spotlight' was only the beginning of a global revelation.