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Doubt

****

Stars: Meryl Streep, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Amy Adams

Director: John Patrick Shanley

Rated: PG-13

Runtime: 104 minutes

Drama

This hard-hitting and unmissable drama tackles the taboo subject of child abuse, raising a string of complicated moral questions.

It is 1964 and the world is shedding its conservatism for more liberal attitudes - including in the Catholic school run by the formidable Sister Aloysius (Meryl Streep), which has just accepted its first black student, Donald.

The nun rules with an iron fist and her students cower before her - so when the laid back Father Flynn (Philip Seymour Hoffman) arrives, she takes an instant dislike to him.

When timid teacher Sister James (Amy Adams) raises her suspicion the priest is behaving inappropriately with Donald, Aloysius begins a crusade to force him to admit his crime and get him out of the school.

Her evidence is paper-thin but her certainty is concrete - and a fierce battle of wills ensues as she tries to prove her allegations.

The movie raises endless questions and offers few answers. Has this seemingly caring man abused the boy? The child claims he has made his life better - is he grateful for the attention even if the worst case scenario turns out to be true?

An unnerving scene with the boy's mother complicates matters further - she seems to say it's ok as long as her boy gets an education.

Hoffman and Streep are two of Hollywood's finest actors and both give powerhouse performances - the strength of these alone make the movie worth watching.

Hoffman is charismatic, warm and funny - you doubt whether he is capable of such a heinous crime.

Streep gives one of her finest performances ever as the bitter nunzilla and the scenes where the two go head-to-head are gripping and tense.

Amy Adams also holds her own as Sister James, who mirrors viewers' doubts and is plagued by guilt over voicing her suspicions.

Doubt is flawlessly acted and the movie is all about the sharp dialogue and performances - there is little visual stimulation in the dull set of the school.

The subject matter is one we cannot afford to ignore and this movie handles it with care and a great deal of intelligence. Unmissable.

Watch if you liked: Chosen, The Magdalene Sisters.

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