Doubt

Name: Doubt
Genre: Drama, Mystery
Released: December 12, 2008
Duration: 104 min
Rating: 70
Cast: Amy Adams, Meryl Streep, Philip Seymour Hoffman

2008

METASCORE

Generally favorable reviews based on 37 Critic Reviews

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USER SCORE

Generally favorable reviews based on 168 Ratings

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7.9

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7.9	User Score Generally favorable reviews based on 168 Ratings

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Doubt

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Movie Details & Credits

Miramax Films | Release Date: December 12, 2008 | PG-13

Starring: Amy Adams, Meryl Streep, Philip Seymour Hoffman

Summary: It's 1964, St. Nicholas in the Bronx. A vibrant, charismatic priest, Father Flynn, is trying to upend the school's strict customs, which have long been fiercely guarded by Sister Aloysius Beauvier, the iron-gloved Principal who believes in the power of fear and discipline. The winds of political change are sweeping through the country, and,It's 1964, St. Nicholas in the Bronx. A vibrant, charismatic priest, Father Flynn, is trying to upend the school's strict customs, which have long been fiercely guarded by Sister Aloysius Beauvier, the iron-gloved Principal who believes in the power of fear and discipline. The winds of political change are sweeping through the country, and, indeed, the school has just accepted its first black student, Donald Miller. But when Sister James, a hopeful innocent, shares with Sister Aloysius her suspicion that Father Flynn is paying too much personal attention to Donald, Sister Aloysius is galvanized to begin a crusade to both unearth the truth and to expunge Flynn from the school. Now, without a shred of proof or evidence except her moral certainty, Sister Aloysius locks into a battle of wills with Father Flynn, a battle that threatens to tear apart the Church and school with devastating consequences. [Miramax]… Expand

Director: John Patrick Shanley

Genre(s): Drama, Mystery

Rating: PG-13

Runtime: 104 min

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Metascore

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Critic Reviews

100

James Berardinelli

An intellectually and emotionally exhausting and engrossing experience. It is drama of the highest caliber. Read full review

David Edelstein

Doubt is still overpowering; it took me a while when it was over to stop shaking. It's the dramatist’s business to sow doubt, to set down points of view that can't be reconciled, and Shanley makes visceral the notion that one can be right but never absolutely right, that doubt might be our last, best hope. Read full review

Michael Phillips

While Streep has a tiny bit too much fun with some of her character's excesses, she's awfully good. So is Hoffman, who walks a fine line between obvious guilt and possible innocence. Read full review

Steven Rea

The truth is left for the audience to decide. And while the conclusion isn't necessarily clear, it is unsettling. Read full review

Ann Hornaday

Just when you begin to think you know who the cat and mouse really are, in steps Viola Davis to steal not just her scene but the entire movie from Streep. Read full review

Wesley Morris

As a consideration of faith and propriety, the movie never managed to boil my blood or break my heart. Read full review

Anthony Lane

Streep can do anything. She is, of course, wasted on this elephantine fable; if only Doubt had been made in 1964, shot by Roger Corman over a long weekend, and retitled "Spawn of the Devil Witch" or "Blood Wimple," all would have been forgiven Read full review

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User Reviews

DanS.

Jan 10, 2009

Amazing movie. Enough said. Wait not enough said actually, one of the most thought provoking movies of all time. This is a movie classic that it is a mystery, drama and suspense rolled into one amazing movie.

2 of 3 users found this helpful

IanG.

Dec 30, 2008

It's sad that I've simply become so jaded that I assume who don't delve as obsessively into film as I do can't enjoy a movie like this; fortunately, I was proved wrong. Both of my fellow theater patrons enjoyed 'Doubt' immensely. This is an intense, extremely It's sad that I've simply become so jaded that I assume who don't delve as obsessively into film as I do can't enjoy a movie like this; fortunately, I was proved wrong. Both of my fellow theater patrons enjoyed 'Doubt' immensely. This is an intense, extremely well-acted and directed drama. It takes serious talent to pack such visceral emotion into a single scene without emotionally wringing-out the audience. This is one not to be missed.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful

worleyjamers

May 23, 2013

Based on a play, Doubt unveils its story much like a play; nothing plot wise is expressed in an obvious way and allows the audience to join in interpreting what is happening. This in combination with 3 stunning lead performances make Doubt one of the best films of 2008. Worth a watch.

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

WexlerR.

Dec 27, 2008

Shanley delivers his play to the screen intact and a great cast packs a wallop in scee after scene. As with the play, one leaves the theatre with much to discuss and each actor stays with us.

0 of 0 users found this helpful

HollyC

Apr 20, 2009

Tightly written, wonderfully acted, well plotted and beautifully shot. Overall, definitely worth the rental if you haven't seen this already. Streep gives an amazing performance and of course, the story itself leaves you questioning what real virtue is (as it should).

0 of 0 users found this helpful

KevitivityS

Dec 19, 2008

This is NOT the simple minded Catholic bashing film you would expect from Hollywood. Great acting by Streep (as usual).

0 of 0 users found this helpful

CathyC.

Feb 1, 2009

Only comes in at a one as I happen to like Streep, so giving it a 0 would'nt be kind! Thank god, the theatre had comfortable seats otherwise I would have likened this to Penance after confession in the good old days of Catholic education.

0 of 1 users found this helpful

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