I Doubt You'll Want to Miss This.

Doubt

As an alumni of a Catholic elementary school and high school, I can certainly identify with the students at St. Nicholas School in Doubt. I can recall, as can several other members of my friends and family, instances of being struck with fear when we had to be disciplined by a nun or staff member. Not that they used to get too physical (other than grabbing collars, pulling pony tails, or a slap on the hand with a ruler) but it was the fact that they made you believe they can do much worse. 

By this, I can say that Meryl Streep (Sophie's Choice) played her part beautifully in this film; as a strict, humorless, and micromanaging nun. The cast is supported by the always adorable Amy Adams (Enchanted), the incomparable Phillip Seymore Hoffman (Capote), and the brilliant Viola Davis (Far From Heaven). 'Doubt' is also directed by John Patrick Stanley (Moonstruck) which is based on his play. 

The film follows Sister Aloysius (Streep) in her suspicion of Father Flynn (Hoffman) committing an "indescent act" against a student. Sister James (Adams) instigates the suspicion, but hopes and prays that this act was never committed. Sister Aloysius is certain that, without evidence, witnesses, or doubt, wrongdoing has happened in her school.

The drama is raw, the characters are vibrant, and the tone is anything but forgettable. There is even one particular scene that acts as an interrogation setting in which the character interaction is stronger than any violent 'good cop, bad cop' clip that I have ever seen. 

See it before the Oscars to see if the Academy agrees with your personal nomination. 

Playing at the Tower Theatre, 16th & Broadway, across the street from R5.