Doubt: A Movie Review

Remember, just my opinion, and yup, in the end, you will see what I make out of the ending, so don't read TOO far along if you haven't seen this movie yet.

Here we go.

Gotta love Bob Dylan.

But, also gotta love the talent that is Meryl Streep, who, for me, outshined even her brilliant costars including Phillip Seymour Hoffman and Amy Adams.

It was the 1960's. A parochial school in the Bronx has hired a new priest named Father Flynn, (Hoffman), and the current principal, (Streep), is not accustomed to his new age ways.

Sister Aloysius Beauvier is the type of principal who believes in one way of getting things done, old school, with discipline. Teachers are in charge, and students are expected to ask no questions and speak when spoken to. In addition to now dealing with Father Flynn, Sister must also oversee the newly hired teacher, Sister James (Adams), who is quite innocent, but very caring indeed.

So besides these adults, how exactly are "the times a-changing?" Well, while this school was formally only for white children, now Donald, a black boy, has begun the year with his new peers. It must be hard, and sure, he needs someone to trust and turn to, but...

Is Father Flynn paying him just a bit too much attention?

What exactly is going on when no one is looking?

What line was crossed?

Torn with what to do, Sister Aloysius Beauvier follows her gut. Will you agree with her decisions? Or was Father Flynn just trying to do what he felt was best for the school, for Donald, for the future?

Truly, an amazing movie which will WITHOUT any doubt stand the test of time, I can honestly see why this film earned its awards.

If you've seen the movie, obviously, you know the end, and anyone I've ever spoken to about this, always asks, "SOO, what do you think?"

Sister Aloysius Beauvier confesses she has doubts. I found Father Flynn to be guilty of inappropriate behaviors, even though the film never actually showed these actions. Although I did appreciate his sermon on gossip, (I'm a huge fan of Mr. Peabody's Apples, if you catch the reference), it wasn't enough.

Most people don't agree with me, and I've considered the idea of Father Flynn having gay tendencies, and struggling with the final decision to be a Catholic priest, but speaking as a Catholic,

He crossed a line.

The best part is, though, that you get to form your own opinion! Everyone does. So, watch, enjoy, and come to your own conclusion. It certainly will not be time wasted.

* Created October 2nd, 2010 KG