Doubt
Doubt

Movie spotlight

Doubt

2003
Movie
90 min
Tagalog

A gaggle of friends and observers ponder the fate of a relationship as they watch it collapse in this independent drama from the Philippines. Cris is a documentary filmmaker with a well-regarded body of work and a large community of friends and admirers. Cris is also gay, and possesses a voracious sexual appetite, claiming to have had sex with over 4,000 men during his years of frequent cruising. But Cris has fallen for Eric, and has sworn off meaningless sex for the pleasures of monogamy. However, while Cris wants Eric and Eric alone, Eric himself isn't so sure he feels exactly the same way and is both puzzled and annoyed with Cris' rather ironic jealousy. The tensions between the two take a heavy toll on Cris, leading to a suicide attempt, and as his friends watch from a distance, any number of them speculate on what's going on between Cris and Eric.

Insights

IMDb7.5/10
Rotten Tomatoes72%
Metacritic70/100
Google Users73%
Director: John Patrick ShanleyGenres: Drama

Plot Summary

In a Bronx Catholic school in 1964, a stern nun, Sister Aloysius Beauvier, becomes suspicious of a charismatic priest, Father Brendan Flynn, when she learns he has taken a special interest in a young black student. Her suspicions grow when another nun, Sister James, witnesses unsettling behavior. Sister Aloysius launches an investigation, determined to uncover the truth, whatever the cost, leading to a battle of wills and a clash of deeply held beliefs.

Critical Reception

Doubt was met with widespread critical acclaim, particularly for its powerhouse performances and Shanley's adaptation of his own stage play. Critics lauded the film's intense drama, moral ambiguity, and the masterful performances of its lead actors, especially Meryl Streep and Philip Seymour Hoffman.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its superb acting, particularly Meryl Streep and Philip Seymour Hoffman.

  • Lauded for its sharp dialogue and tense, character-driven drama.

  • Recognized for its exploration of faith, doubt, and moral certainty.

Google audience: Google users largely appreciated the film's compelling performances and thought-provoking narrative. Many highlighted the strong acting from the main cast and the engaging, albeit somber, story. Some viewers found the film's ambiguity and lack of a definitive resolution to be a point of contention, while others celebrated it as a strength.

Awards & Accolades

Nominated for 5 Academy Awards, including Best Actress (Meryl Streep), Best Supporting Actor (Philip Seymour Hoffman), and Best Supporting Actress (Amy Adams and Viola Davis). Meryl Streep received a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actress.

Fun Fact

The film is based on John Patrick Shanley's Pulitzer Prize-winning play of the same name, and he also wrote the screenplay and directed the film adaptation.

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