"Doubt can be a bond as powerful as certainty," says Father Brendan Flynn (Phillip Seymour Hoffman) to his diligently observant congregation as they sit attentively during his sermon. Though little sense can be derived from those inescapable words, by the end of the film, Doubt will have made its case. Supported by a phenomenal, intelligent screenplay and headed by a prestigious cast, "Doubt" is a fascinating picture that explores complex emotions in astounding ways. Unable to provide clear-cut answers, "Doubt's" ambiguity brilliantly has audiences do what every great film does: think.
When the overly naïve Sister James (Amy Adams) believes Father Brendan Flynn (Hoffman) to be abusing Donald (Joseph Foster), the only African American student at St. Nicholas Catholic school, she immediately confides in stern-faced school principal Sister Aloysius Beauvier (Meryl Streep), who believes in the value of fear, intimidation and punishment. Pushing Sister James' accusation into the realm of sexual molestation, Sister Aloysius Beauvier sets out to unravel the truth behind Father Flynn's motives by meddling deep within his affairs. Fearing his image to be tainted, Father Flynn, radiating anger, fear and frustration, warns Sister Aloysius to steer clear from her suspicions when he firmly tells her to, "Let it go." Sister Aloysius does other wise.
Like some escalating boxing match, writer/director John Patrick Shanley, who also helmed the original Broadway Pulitzer Prize-winning play, injects this film with a dose of mystery and anticipation. With determined thoroughness, Shanley expands each character's harrowing conviction with such vigor and grace that the world created in "Doubt" is impossible to turn away from. With the rise in child molestation cases the Catholic church has been getting drowned in, one would naturally assume "Doubt" to be a finger pointing morality piece; however, though the issue is raised, "Doubt" instead becomes a palpable, thought provoking film about the fears and insecurities within all of us.
In essence, Doubt is a showcase of vicious talent that is driven by its superior cast. Screen legend Meryl Streep comfortably eases her way into the role Sister Aloysius Beauvier with a mesmerizing balance of poise and perplexity. Without a doubt, Streep has created one of the most compelling characters of the year. Foil to Sister Aloysius is Father Flynn, fleshed out by the incomparable Phillip Seymour Hoffman who exhibits emotion so perfectly that his collision with Sister Aloysius is utterly fascinating. Torn between Sister Aloysius and Father Flynn is Sister James played by the lovely and talented Amy Adams, who has shown an incredible, exuberant growth since her debut as the sultry vixen in "Drop Dead Gorgeous." Limited to a minuscule performance as the boy's mother is Viola Davis, who in less the 15 minutes of screen time, brings the show to a complete halt by providing a genuine, raw performance. "Doubt's" ensemble is breathtaking.
At the core of "Doubt" is lies a poignant and somewhat cryptic message about our morality and driving convictions. The clash between the film's protagonists is a bitter, multilayered battle that is exemplified by its extraordinary characters. Apart from Flynn's accusation, Sister Aloysius, who devoutly honors the traditions of the church, is threatened by Father Flynn, the progressive Father who wants to bring change. Though Sister Aloysius's actions may be filled with authoritative strictness, overall, she means well. As for Father Flynn, who faces serious allegations, goes to lengths to protect his secret, though whatever that secret may be, will have to be resolved by the viewer.
With show stopping performances, and a tightly written screenplay, "Doubt" is single-handedly an extraordinary tour-de-force of skill and talent. It's extraordinary and powerfully moving; at the end of the film, Sister Aloysius and Sister James have a thoughtful discussion, Sister Aloysius, sitting quietly, conceals her crucifix and breakdowns. What she says afterwards left me emotionally shaken.
When the overly naïve Sister James (Amy Adams) believes Father Brendan Flynn (Hoffman) to be abusing Donald (Joseph Foster), the only African American student at St. Nicholas Catholic school, she immediately confides in stern-faced school principal Sister Aloysius Beauvier (Meryl Streep), who believes in the value of fear, intimidation and punishment. Pushing Sister James' accusation into the realm of sexual molestation, Sister Aloysius Beauvier sets out to unravel the truth behind Father Flynn's motives by meddling deep within his affairs. Fearing his image to be tainted, Father Flynn, radiating anger, fear and frustration, warns Sister Aloysius to steer clear from her suspicions when he firmly tells her to, "Let it go." Sister Aloysius does other wise.
Like some escalating boxing match, writer/director John Patrick Shanley, who also helmed the original Broadway Pulitzer Prize-winning play, injects this film with a dose of mystery and anticipation. With determined thoroughness, Shanley expands each character's harrowing conviction with such vigor and grace that the world created in "Doubt" is impossible to turn away from. With the rise in child molestation cases the Catholic church has been getting drowned in, one would naturally assume "Doubt" to be a finger pointing morality piece; however, though the issue is raised, "Doubt" instead becomes a palpable, thought provoking film about the fears and insecurities within all of us.
In essence, Doubt is a showcase of vicious talent that is driven by its superior cast. Screen legend Meryl Streep comfortably eases her way into the role Sister Aloysius Beauvier with a mesmerizing balance of poise and perplexity. Without a doubt, Streep has created one of the most compelling characters of the year. Foil to Sister Aloysius is Father Flynn, fleshed out by the incomparable Phillip Seymour Hoffman who exhibits emotion so perfectly that his collision with Sister Aloysius is utterly fascinating. Torn between Sister Aloysius and Father Flynn is Sister James played by the lovely and talented Amy Adams, who has shown an incredible, exuberant growth since her debut as the sultry vixen in "Drop Dead Gorgeous." Limited to a minuscule performance as the boy's mother is Viola Davis, who in less the 15 minutes of screen time, brings the show to a complete halt by providing a genuine, raw performance. "Doubt's" ensemble is breathtaking.
At the core of "Doubt" is lies a poignant and somewhat cryptic message about our morality and driving convictions. The clash between the film's protagonists is a bitter, multilayered battle that is exemplified by its extraordinary characters. Apart from Flynn's accusation, Sister Aloysius, who devoutly honors the traditions of the church, is threatened by Father Flynn, the progressive Father who wants to bring change. Though Sister Aloysius's actions may be filled with authoritative strictness, overall, she means well. As for Father Flynn, who faces serious allegations, goes to lengths to protect his secret, though whatever that secret may be, will have to be resolved by the viewer.
With show stopping performances, and a tightly written screenplay, "Doubt" is single-handedly an extraordinary tour-de-force of skill and talent. It's extraordinary and powerfully moving; at the end of the film, Sister Aloysius and Sister James have a thoughtful discussion, Sister Aloysius, sitting quietly, conceals her crucifix and breakdowns. What she says afterwards left me emotionally shaken.