Review: Fiery Streep, Hoffman Fuel 'Doubt'

'Doubt' (PG-13)(out of four)

"What do you do when you're not sure?" That's the question asked by one of the main characters at the beginning of the drama, "Doubt." It also sets up the dilemma that's at the center of the film, which is based on the play of the same name.

Playwright John Patrick Shanley turned to his Catholic school upbringing when he needed to provide nuance and detail for the off-Broadway production that debuted in 2004. The powerful story about nuns facing off against a priest involved in suspicious behavior was a critical hit and a real showcase for the actors. It's no surprise that Shanley (who also wrote "Moonstruck") was able to attract some incredible talent when he adapted and directed his story for the big screen.

Oscar winner Philip Seymour Hoffman ("Capote") plays Father Flynn, a charismatic priest in a 1964 Bronx, N.Y., parish. He delivers mesmerizing sermons, and is a favorite of the school kids that he showers with attention and guidance. One child -- the school's first black student -- seems to be getting a lot more time with the priest than seems appropriate.

This raises a red flag with Sister James (Amy Adams), an idealistic and somewhat naive young teacher She approaches the school's principal, Sister Aloysius (Meryl Streep, in yet another incredible performance), for advice, setting off an epic battle that rages throughout the school. The no-nonsense head nun is strictly by-the-book and is a walking definition of the term, "old school."

She disapproves of innovations like ballpoint pens, and the singing of such secular songs as "Frosty the Snowman" in the Christmas pageant. She and her sharp eyes patrol the school and the church services, looking for anyone misbehaving.

Sister Aloysius runs a tight ship, and instructs the young Sister James on how to watch her students when her back is turned by looking at their reflection in a glass portrait of the pope. "Children should think you have eyes in the back of your head," the elder nun explains.

But despite her ultra-strict code of behavior, the principal really does care for her kids and is intent on protecting them. The sister quickly springs into action when she suspects Father Flynn might be molesting a student and attempts to engineer a face-off that doesn't go according to plan.

Their sit-down begins as a cordial meeting, but quickly escalates into confrontation as the outraged Father Flynn bats away her accusations with very plausible explanations. (The growing shock and anger on Hoffman's face is truly something to behold).

There is enough "doubt" created that junior nun desperately wants to sign off on his story that everything's kosher. However, her boss isn't buying his denials so the elder nun and the priest begin waging war against each other. This fight is breathtaking to watch, with the upper hand going back and forth as each gets the chance to both attack and go on the defensive.

Shanley expertly providing contrasts in the film adaptation of his play: The parish priests dine together, laughing, drinking, and joking, while the nuns eat their meals in near-silence. The writer/director does a great job of weaving together a story that will have audiences guessing until the very end as to what the truth is. And as for the acting, expect Oscar nominations for both Streep and Hoffman.