"Doubt" Movie Review

This week we continue to look at Oscar hopefuls by watching Doubt (PG-13), writer/direct Sean Patrick Shanley’s study of alleged abuse in a catholic middle school in the sixties. The all-star cast includes Meryl Streep, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Amy Adams, and Viola Davis.

Andy: Doubt is based on Shanley’s play of the same name, and it feels very much like a play, even on the silver screen. The film is very dialogue driven, with very little variation in location. Because of the lack of cinematic elements, the film allows the actors and the content to shine. The themes the movie addresses (religion, abuse, teacher relationships with parents and students) are intense and complex. At the very least, Doubt does a wonderful job of stimulating thought and discussion on these topics.


Ryan: I think it should be pointed out that although Doubt centers on an alleged case of abuse the movie is really not about the specifics of that alleged action. More to the point, the movie centers on a power struggle between a nun and priest and deals with issues of faith involving certainty and doubt. The movie showcases some remarkable performances and it’s those performances that make Doubt worth watching. The movie is nothing cinematically special but it’s a solid piece of work.

Andy: Doubt is really highlighted the performances of the actors involved. Streep is a consummate professional, and she is in top form in this movie. I take issue with some of her choices (especially the very end of the film), but there is no denying that she is likely to get nominated for yet another Oscar here. Similarly, Philip Seymour Hoffman is his reliably remarkable self, balancing affability with a hint of creepiness.


Ryan: The movie itself falls short in being Best Picture material but it contains several Oscar worthy performances. The scenes between Streep and Hoffman are reason enough to watch the movie as they are both in stride with regard to their performances. I would say that they are both locks for a nomination. I was also impressed with both Amy Adams and Viola Davis and I believe one of them will score a nomination for Best Supporting Actress.

Andy: The supporting acting is every bit as strong in Doubt as the leads are, with both Amy Adams and Viola Davis doing an outstanding job. Davis’s performance may be the most impressive, as she only has one scene, but completely steals it from Meryl Streep. With four performances at such high quality, it is hard to imagine Doubt not having multiple Oscar nominations.


Ryan: One would think that a film with four Oscar worthy performances would be a slam dunk of a film but Doubt has its issues. Like I said before, cinematically, the movie doesn't showcase anything that sets it apart from the stage version. Sometimes plays just work better as plays. But even with that said Doubt resonates as an intimate yet intense look at the question of ascertaining truth based more on faith than on facts.

Doubt features several performances that carry it to a respectable B+.