Doubt (2008)

9/10. This movie elicited the exact responses from me as it intended. I attribute that to the strong writing of the story. I was not surprised to learn that this film was based on a Tony and Pulitzer Prize winning play. Aside from musicals and farce, the theater is where real drama is displayed.

The basic story line is of a strict nun who accuses a Catholic pastor of sexually abusing one of the students at the Catholic school. She doesn't do this publicly, but rather behind closed doors and in secret, mostly utilizing and referring to implications and gossip. The pastor maintains his innocence in the face of her certainty. On the third side of this triangle is another younger more naive nun who, like the audience, has doubts at different times as to the genuineness of both the accuser and the accused.

Sound confusing? That's because it is. This play/movie successfully had me second guessing the characters and myself, which I believe was it's full intention. Belying it's title, there were so many messages and truths to be felt and seen in this story that it was somewhat overwhelming. And these messages were not just for the Christian, but for all moral peoples. However, the ultimate overriding force throughout was one of doubt; which, as the pastor foretold in his opening sermon, can divide us or unite in commonality. It is ultimately up to us.

I would be remiss if I didn't mention the apt direction of the playwright, and the Oscar caliber acting of all the players. I would definitely like to see this movie again sometime.