When a friendly priest appears to become a little too friendly with a young altar boy, he must be guilty of something. Or does he?
A couple of nuns, one the principal of the Catholic grade school and the other a teacher, suspect the priest of inappropriate behavior after he called a boy into a private meeting for no reason in particular. The priest is kind, especially to the boy. The priest is so caring that the boy would even say he's fond of the priest. After all, the boy is the lone Black student, he's new to the school, and this story takes place in the 1960s. He has trouble fitting in, so he's grateful to have anyone he can consider a friend.
So, what's the truth? With a title like "Doubt" you would be right to suspect that the facts might remain uncertain. The principal, Sister Aloysius, maintains a steadfast resolve of the priest's guilt. She seems so certain about everything - her disdain for the modern world, including all of its most gruesome amoralities, like Frosty the Snowman and ballpoint pens.
Of course she resents the priest for his forward-thinking ways and willingness to adapt to the changing times. He represents a threat to her pious way of life. To her, things should stay as they have been, now and in perpetuity. Anything else is blasphemy.
In the movie's most powerful scene, Sister Aloysius tells the boy's mother about her suspicions about the priest. The mother's reaction and reveal catch her off guard. Suddenly the situation isn't so simple.
The movie brilliantly dangles hints but is careful not to reveal too much until the very end. Even then, you may not find the clarity you hoped for. Watch "Doubt" if you want to think, but happy times should be sought elsewhere.
A couple of nuns, one the principal of the Catholic grade school and the other a teacher, suspect the priest of inappropriate behavior after he called a boy into a private meeting for no reason in particular. The priest is kind, especially to the boy. The priest is so caring that the boy would even say he's fond of the priest. After all, the boy is the lone Black student, he's new to the school, and this story takes place in the 1960s. He has trouble fitting in, so he's grateful to have anyone he can consider a friend.
So, what's the truth? With a title like "Doubt" you would be right to suspect that the facts might remain uncertain. The principal, Sister Aloysius, maintains a steadfast resolve of the priest's guilt. She seems so certain about everything - her disdain for the modern world, including all of its most gruesome amoralities, like Frosty the Snowman and ballpoint pens.
Of course she resents the priest for his forward-thinking ways and willingness to adapt to the changing times. He represents a threat to her pious way of life. To her, things should stay as they have been, now and in perpetuity. Anything else is blasphemy.
In the movie's most powerful scene, Sister Aloysius tells the boy's mother about her suspicions about the priest. The mother's reaction and reveal catch her off guard. Suddenly the situation isn't so simple.
The movie brilliantly dangles hints but is careful not to reveal too much until the very end. Even then, you may not find the clarity you hoped for. Watch "Doubt" if you want to think, but happy times should be sought elsewhere.