Doubt

Doubt is a film adapted from a play written by John Patrick Shanley, which tells the story of two nuns pulled into an investigation of one of the priests in their church.  The question becomes what is truth and how do you know it?

Philip Seymour Hoffman is Father Brendan Flynn, the young priest who becomes the mentor and protector of Donald Miller, the school’s first black student. The principal, Sister Aloysius Beauvier (Meryl Streep), notices the friendship and plants the seed of doubt with Sister James (Amy Adams). Sister James is the film’s innocent, asking for proof of wrongdoing before assigning guilt. Sister Aloysius doesn’t need proof. She is convinced of Father Flynn’s guilt from the start, and all of the denials in the world wouldn’t be enough to acquit him in her eyes.

I thought the film was ok, but feel that I should give fair warning to take note of the title of the film. Don’t expect any easy answers, and don’t expect a lot of character development. Each character portrays a different archetype, not a rounded person.  Also, don’t miss the scene with Donald Miller’s mother, played by Viola Davis. It was by far the most powerful moment in the film, which has gotten her an Oscar Nomination.

Rating:  

Previews I Liked:

Defiance
Taken