Doubt

"The dragon is hungry." Father Flynn (Philip Seymour Hoffman) thus describes Sister Aloysius (Meryl Streep), principal of St Nicholas School in the Bronx. For anyone with Catholic school experience, such a comparison would incite laughter. Though absurd, it is often an accurate metaphor. Flynn's friendly approach to students clashes with Sister Aloysius' strict methods and their conflict peaks with the radical addition (for 1964) of a 12-year-old African American child named Donald Miller. The ostracised alter boy bonds with Father Flynn but a question over the nature of their relationship arises when Donald returns to class from the rectory, upset and with alcohol on his breath. Novice Sister James (Amy Adams) notifies Sister Aloysius who begins an investigation. With a history of stints at various parishes, his well-manicured nails, and the pressed flowers in his bible, Father Flynn only fuels the fire. The conclusion provides little besides a validation of the film's title and a new view into the church's servants, and its antiquated ideas that marginalise the nuns and protect the priests. [Sara Nowak]