Doubt

Even though I didn't want to believe it, this is an incredibly powerful film where all three main actors truly deserve top marks. Meryl is an incredibly depressing character, almost inhuman. I generally appreciate the perspective on faith and its fanaticism, which can manifest deeply in some people. It's no longer about faith at that point; it's just about wielding power and using faith as a weapon to gain control. It’s scary. This is a beautiful example of how every church is just a breeding ground for lunatics. (02/21/2014)

Before: I have considerable doubts about whether Shanley will be able to handle such tricky material while managing to avoid falling into cheesiness, needless literalness and ecclesiastic correctness. And mainly I have doubts about Amy Adams performance alongside the Hoffman Streep duo. After: I have no doubts anymore about Amy and also I now know that it couldn’t have been written, shot and acted any better. (01/22/2009)

An intimate psychological drama depicting an uncompromising clash between a bigoted nun who seems to be stuck in the 19th century and a priest who acknowledges both the demands of the modern era for new ideas and methods and the fact that love for God should not be an obstacle to human relationships. The dispute is not only about the methods of pedagogical influence at the local church school and the interpretation of religious values but gradually evolves into deep personal antipathy by the nun, who begins to suspect that the priest's interest in one of her charges may not be as innocent as those around them think. Those who have no doubts can be more convincing, and therefore more successful, but some victories are Pyrrhic... The film's strength lies in its position, which leaves the viewer uncertain until the end - in other words, in doubt about what actually happened, as well as the emotionally powerful conflict between two distinct personalities, successful dialogue, and above all, exceptional acting by two major stars of contemporary American cinema. Overall impression: 90%. (11/18/2013)

It's unbelievable that the director of the movie Joe against the volcano filmed something as great and timeless as Doubts. It's almost mind-boggling. Even if I forgot the entire content of the film, I will never forget the final scene, which can be related to many moments and events in life. Yes, doubts are one of the scariest feelings a person can experience. (03/03/2015)

Interesting topic, excellent actors, but as whole it can't sustain a heartbeat. What good to me are the amazing Amy Adams and the charismatic Philip Seymour Hoffman if the entire premise of their actions can fit into ten minutes? Instead, I'm watching an hour and a half of stretched-out acting exhibitionism, pushed to the most absurd maximum. Occasionally, a little editing or hinting would have been enough, but no – the routine direction drags the film to an ending that ultimately undermines the whole story. It's precisely because the entire dramatic arc is a smaller deception for the audience that I have to rate it this low. (06/07/2010)