- Sensibility: Some strange interactions between reporters and lawyers that are a touch too cinematic for reality, but otherwise this story is, veg unfortunately, all too real.
- Cinematography: Very solid production design and muted costuming and makeup do well to capture the ragged nature of the reporter life. Some awkward transitions between scenes, particularly a music overlay on top of a children's choir, distract from a story and portrayal that are so palpable that these issues are magnified.
- Energy: The film is undeniably tense throughout and the narrative structure does an excellent job of detailing the corruption in stages that keep things moving even when most of the film is simply dialogue. The film's breadth and occasionally lacking depth can lead to some disappointing open endings and a lot of, sometimes too much, material to swallow.
- Narrative: This is THE story on the systematic abuse of the Catholic church. The only issue is that the story attempts to bite off more than it can chew; there are so many loose ends because the scope of the story is so wide that the film can't capture it all. The interaction with the ex priest and admitted sex offender is strange and the lack of follow up feels like a hole narratively. The investigation into the treatment centers and legal documentation scandals feels like it's missing pieces. Such an incredible story that unfortunately just needs more time to tell it.
- T-Points: The film received two bonus points: two for an incredible set of casts for side characters that just blow the doors off two amazing scenes in the film, particularly one in a scene with Walter where his fellow high school alumnus that questions "how did you find out?" and a scarily believable portrayal from an openly gay victim recalling the horrors of his abusive childhood for Sacha.
This film should be, and probably is, an epic, marathon long documentary series. There's so much to talk about and the film just has to rush through to fit into a package that most viewers can sit through. Regardless, the film is excellent and has so much to offer.
Number of Watches: 1
