Doubt

Doubt, based on the Broadway play of the same name, begins with a sermon from Father Flynn, played by Philip Seymour Hoffman. The thrust of the sermon is in fact doubt and crisis of faith, and this in part arouses the suspicions of Sister Aloysius, the Principal of the parochial school to which Father Flynn is attached to. She feels that the Father may be referring to himself in the sermon, and as a result asks the much more innocent Sister James, played by Amy Adams, to watch out for any suspicious behavior on the part of Father Flynn. The focus of her suspicions is the relationship between Father Flynn and Donald Miller, the lone black child in the school. The two main protagonists reflect different sensibilities within the church, as Father Flynn is likable and friendly and reflects a more modern outlook, while Sister Aloysius is stern, unsmiling and traditional. This is a first-rate cast and the confrontational scenes between Mr. Hoffman and Ms. Streep are outstanding. Viola Davis, as the mother of Donald Miller also makes a powerful impact in a small role. She plays vulnerable, yet strong when she has to be, and the scene between her and Ms. Streep is one of the highlights of the film. The film also does a good job of capturing a more innocent era in outer borough New York City, and the neighborhood almost has a small town feel. This is an engrossing film, and the feeling that will be engendered most is the one reflected in the title.

Rating - 3 1/2 Stars