There is no evidence. There are no witnesses. But for one, there is no doubt.|Feb. 27, 2008|USA|104 Min.|PG-13
Genre: Drama
Description: In 1964, at a Catholic church in The Bronx, Father Brendan Flynn delivers a sermon on doubt, emphasizing that, like faith, it can be a unifying force. Sister Aloysius, the strict principal of the church’s parish school, becomes suspicious after observing a boy pull away from Flynn in the courtyard. She instructs the sisters to remain vigilant for any unusual activity at the school.
Sister James, a young and inexperienced teacher, is asked to send Donald Miller, the school’s only African-American student and an altar boy, to meet Flynn in the rectory. When Donald returns to class, he appears distressed, and Sister James notices the smell of alcohol on his breath. Later, she witnesses Flynn placing an undershirt in Donald’s locker. Concerned, she reports her observations to Sister Aloysius, expressing that such suspicions shake her faith. Sister Aloysius responds that addressing wrongdoing may distance one from God but is done in His service.
Sister Aloysius and Sister James invite Flynn to discuss the school’s Christmas pageant. During the meeting, the women express contrasting views on the church’s role in the community: Flynn advocates for active engagement with parishioners through shared interests and activities, while Sister Aloysius believes in maintaining clear boundaries between the clergy and the congregation. Sister James tends to agree with Flynn, supporting the need to adapt to changing times to better connect with the students.
Eventually, Sister Aloysius raises the issue of Donald Miller, noting his vulnerability as the only Black student in the school. She implies that Flynn has shown him favoritism, referencing their private meeting the previous week. Flynn becomes defensive and reveals he confronted Donald because he was caught drinking sacramental wine. He had kept it secret to protect the boy but is now forced to remove Donald from his role as an altar boy. Sister James is relieved by the explanation. In his next sermon, Flynn addresses the dangers of gossip.
Cast director: John Patrick Shanley
Cast actor: Meryl Streep, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Amy Adams, Viola Davis, Alice Drummond, Audrie Neenan, Susan Blommaert, Carrie Preston, John Costelloe, Lloyd Clay Brown
Original name: Doubt