Doubt

Set in 1964 at St. Nicholas Church in the Bronx, Father Brendan Flynn's (Hoffman) progressive views and charismatic presence have won him the respect and admiration of the congregation. At the parish school, Principal Sister Aloysius Beauvier (Streep) keeps her students in line with old-fashioned fear and intimidation. When young Sister James (Adams) shares with Sister Aloysius her concern that Father Flynn has "taken an interest" in 12-year-old Donald Miller (Joseph Foster II), the school's "first Negro student," the older nun launches her own investigation. Determined to protect every one of her charges, Sister Aloysius attempts to use the evidence she discovers to have Flynn removed from the school. Doubt covers the spectrum of truth, emotion, and belief and asks if any decision is ever free of doubt. Based on the Pulitzer Prize- and Tony Award-winning play by John Patrick Shanley, the film was nominated for five Academy Awards®. (Gary Reber)