This film is based on a true story that begins in Boston, Massachusetts in 1976, focusing on the arrest of Reverend John Gagan for inappropriate conduct. No official charges are filed due to a desire to avoid scandal. Fast forward to July 2001, the Boston Globe newspaper sees the arrival of new editor Marty Baron. Under his leadership, the Spotlight section becomes a main focus for investigative journalism, with each investigation requiring several months of work conducted by a dedicated team.