Doubt

Doubt Review
By: Danika Grady


In the heart of a catholic school set in 1964 New York, a quiet war is being waged. The seemingly kindly father Flynn (Philip Seymour Hoffman) is up against the sever and terror inducing principal of the school Sister Aloysius (Meryl Streep). The two clash when the priest is accused of misconduct with one of the students. Throughout the brilliant film, Doubt keeps the audience hanging, neither proving nor denying the claims of the infallible Sister Aloysius.
Rated PG-13, this film goes deep into the heart of a catholic school. John Patrick Shanley, the writer and director, creates an atmosphere thick with tension in this thought-inspiring film. Streep and Hoffman mesh perfectly together and create the chemistry on scene that creates the sense of realism in the theatrics on screen. In addition, Viola Davis as Mrs. Miller, works in sync with Streep to bring another aspect to the already awe-inspiring film.
As an opening into the underlying themes of this movie, the curtain is drawn onto a Sunday morning mass where Father Flynn speaks about doubt, and how it affects people in general. This sermon ignites the first sparks of curiosity in Sister Aloysius, who proceeds to warn the rest of the nuns in the school to watch for anything amiss. The innocent Sister James (Amy Adams) is roped into the center of the conflict when she reports an incident involving the only African American student, namely Donald Miller (Donald Joseph Foster II) and Father Flynn. Aloysius immediately investigates and throughout the rest of the film is determined to bring Flynn down.
The climax of the film in my opinion came at the end, when Aloysius and Sister James sat in a courtyard. Aloysius reports that Flynn has resigned following her accusations but has been transferred to a different parish. Seemingly understanding that the leaders that she thought so infallible disregarded her claims so readily made Aloysius doubt. What she doubts however is unclear. Each person must come up with his or her own conclusion bringing with him or her end of the story.
This is definatly not a film for the weak minded. The plotline twists and turns and the underlying themes are deep and though provoking. I thought this was a truly powerful film and recommend it to anybody who is able to see it. The combination between the actors, setting, plot and themes are incredible and depict a story the likes of which have never been seen before on the big screen.