Doubt (2008)

As principal of a Catholic elementary school, Sister Aloysius (Meryl Streep) is the hand of God. This Puritanical sister does not suffer fools and she's beginning to have doubts about one of the priests, Father Brendan Flynn (Phillip Seymour Hoffman). When Sister James (Amy Adams) confides in Sister Aloysius her concerns over the Father's interest in the school's first black student, Aloysius' reaction is alarming. But it's not until her conversation with Mrs. Miller (Voila Davis), the boy's mother that Aloysius' reaction has Father Flynn squarely in her path.

Doubt is a beautifully rendered character study that gives the audience complete control of its outcome. The drama, adapted from a play and directed by John Patrick Shanley forces viewers to think and ultimately choose sides. The film is bleak, moody, disquieting--but it's cast is riveting.

Watching Phillip Seymour Hoffman and Meryl Streep spar onscreen is absolutely brilliant. As forward thinking Father Flynn, Hoffman imbue the character with optimism and hope. Standing in stark contrast is Streep. Sister Aloysius strikes fear in the soul, but thanks to Streep's ambiguous delivery, one is never sure if the witch hunt the Sister is on, is personal or religious. She's remarkable. Amy Adams' fresh face is spot-on as the younger Sister James, the catalyst for Aloysius' campaign. Viola Davis commands the screen with her short appearance.

Set just after Kennedy's assassination, early 1960s, the production is thoughtful, highly detailed. The cinematography presents a secretive, multi-layered atmosphere that chills. Ultimately, it is the discourse between our characters that sell this film. The dialogue is quick, it's righteous, it is volatile and brilliantly executed. Themes of morality, authority and religion are explored as Sister Aloysius parades about.

Under Shanley's direction, the film builds doubt within all of our characters and distrust quickly mounts for the viewer. Facts or presumed facts are presented leaving the viewer alarmed and scrambling to obtain the pieces needed to complete the puzzle. Therein lies the film's demise.

Doubt climaxes with a troubling exchange between the Sisters. The film's conclusion, successful or not, is entirely dependent on the viewer. As I see it, Doubt will either frustrate or haunt. You decide.