1964 was, for all intents and purposes, a year where the United States stood on the edge of the cliff that gave way to the Vietnam War and the turmoil that it created with the borders of the U.S. It’s in this backdrop that we’re first introduced to Father Flynn (Phillip Seymour Hoffman) as he speaks to his congregation at St. Nicholas, a Catholic church somewhere in the Bronx, describing the doubt that they and he must feel in a time where everything seemed to be coming apart as the promise of the Kennedy dream and the coming storm of the Civil Rights movement lead to unease as the times began to change  Within these foundations, the excellent film, Doubt, springs to life.  Based on the Pulitzer Prize winning play, the film version delves into the doubts placed upon society in this era of turmoil, looking inwards on the members of the Church as they begin to distrust one another in a time of adjustment.

Following the Sunday mass where Father Flynn gives his speech on doubt, Sister Aloysius (Meryl Streep) begins to snoop around, wondering why Flynn would have given such a speech.  She begins to learn about his relationship with Donald Miller (Joseph Arthur) an altar boy and the school’s only African-American student, adding to her misgivings.  In the middle is Sister James (Amy Adams) a new teacher who becomes he film’s center as doubt is placed continuously on various members of the cast. It helps that the story takes place during a period of uncertainty, standing in contrast to the civil rights movement and the promise of a new frontier.  The changing role of the church is front and center with Flynn representing the future of the church and Aloysius the old ways.   Of course, given the film’s subtext, the recent scandals regarding sexual misconduct amongst the Priesthood hangs a heavy shadow over the story and the perception of its audience. 

In a film such as this, the characterization becomes the key.  The main three do their part to keep what could become a boring plotline moving.  In a way, it takes the guise of a police procedural as Sister Aloysius searches for the truth behind Father Flynn’s sermon, each new revelation passing through bringing even more questions to the proceedings, switching the point of view as the blame with what seems like every scene.  The movie flies by as if it were an action piece, the performances spinning at the audience like explosions in a Michael Bay film.  When Sister Aloysius and Sister James confront Father Flynn, what begins as a few questions in regards to an upcoming Christmas pageant soon spirals into accusations from Aloysius and a caught in the act response from Flynn.  Later, in what could be called the lynchpin of the film, Sister Aloysius confronts Mrs. Miller (Viola Davis) over the allegations regarding her son.  The scene itself brings all of its issues to bear in an almost soul crushing conversation that changes the very nature of the plot. 

It is to the credit of Philip Seymour Hoffman that the character of Father Flynn remains ambiguous through the film.  Never giving an inch into revealing whether or not he did what his accusers claim he has done, Hoffman’s performance keeps the viewer unhinged.  One moment, he is a child molester, the next, a man persecuted for trying to move the church forward.  The film never gives a clear answer to the question, but it remains the most important piece of the plot’s puzzle. 

Great films like this are a rarity.  Too often the viewer is beaten down with the easy answer, never allowing the time for the issues at hand to sink in for discussion.  In Doubt, the answers are not easy, nor are they readily apparent, but it gives the audience a great ride, probably one of the best of 2008.  The ending line alone, uttered by Meryl Streep is enough to make people rethink all that they have seen allowing for a film that is ripe for rewatchability, the true sign of an excellent film.  Doubt displays its issues, with conviction and aplomb with enough respect for its audience to not treat them with scorn, but to give them a meaty story that thrives in its intelligence and depth.  And for a film lover, that is all they really could want and need.