Doubt (PG-13, 2008)

common sense media says

Brooding, play-based drama isn't for kids.


parents & educators say

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this brooding, play-based drama isn't for kids. It tackles questions about God, faith, and evil in a way that will most likely be either uninteresting or too complex for young audiences. Though children are in the cast, the movie's themes are mature -- particularly the question of whether or not a priest has abused a child and how doubt about what happened undoes three main characters. Another storyline examines the patriarchal nature of the Catholic church, despite its dependence on the good works of its (female) nuns. Though there's little swearing, violence, or drinking, the movie isn't meant for kids (and isn't particularly likely to interest them, either).

Positive messages: The movie has complex, ambiguous messages about faith. A nun who rules a school with an iron fist accuses a priest of abusing a child, even though she has no proof. Adults subsequently discuss suspicions of pedophelia. A mother seems willing to turn a blind eye to her son's troubles. A novice gives her mother superior ammunition to destroy someone's reputation. Kids give a new student the cold shoulder and make fun of him in class.
Positive role models: Although the main characters are usually convinced that they're acting for the right reasons, the decisions they make have complicated, far-reaching consequences. They're too often ruled by manipulation and betrayal, as well as selfishness and fear.
Violence: A nun and a priest have a fiery shouting match about guilt and innocence. A thin layer of menace hangs over the film when the plot reveals suspected child abuse. A woman talks about how her son is being beaten up by her husband.
Sex: Not applicable.
Language: Little swearing. On one occasion, the word "bulls--t" is uttered by a child.
Consumerism: Not applicable.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: A priest smokes a cigarette, as does a student. A child is suspected of drinking some wine, which an adult may have given him.

More on Doubt

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
  • Families can talk about the movie's messages. What is it saying about religion? The Catholic church in particular?
  • Why do Sister Aloysius and Father Flynn clash? Who's right, and who's wrong? And what of doubt? Do you think Father Flynn is guilty or innocent?
  • What characteristics do movies based on plays tend to have in common? Do plays always make good movies? Why or why not?

What's the story?

What's the story?
It's 1964, and young Father Flynn (Philip Seymour Hoffman) is transforming a Bronx parish with his thought-provoking homilies and easygoing manner. Already, the area's parochial school is feeling the winds of change: It has just admitted its first African-American student, Donald Miller (Joseph Foster). Taking it all in -- and not in stride -- is Sister Aloysius (Meryl Streep), the fearsome school principal who's not entirely sure about a priest who takes three cubes of sugar in his tea and wears his fingernails long. After novice teacher Sister James (Amy Adams) informs Sister Aloysius that Father Flynn called Donald to a private meeting from which the child returned with a whiff of wine on his breath, Sister Aloysius becomes certain that the priest has made inappropriate advances on the boy. She won't rest until all suspicions are laid to rest (hell hath no fury like a nun scorned), but what she uncovers is spiritual and emotional ambiguity.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 

On Broadway, John Patrick Shanley's DOUBT, winner of both the Pulitzer Prize and a Tony Award, riveted audiences with its unremitting scrutiny of faith and its worthy adversary: uncertainty. Often, adapting a play of this magnitude for the big screen gives birth to disappointment, but Doubt survives as an engrossing, provocative drama.

Yes, there's a heavy handedness to the direction that's better suited to the stage. There are also far too many portentous elemental triggers (the wind-spun leaves, lashing rain, dreary skies -- we get the message, the end is bleak). And the usually excellent Adams is only passable here. Still, you can't deny the powerful themes Doubt dares to take on: Is it true, as Father Flynn says, that doubt can be "a bond as powerful and sustaining as certainty"? Or is it, by its very nature, bad for the faithful? The film may not answer all of these questions mightily, but at least it tries.

Movie themes & details

Movie Details
Studio: Miramax
Director: John Patrick Shanley
Cast: Amy Adams, Meryl Streep, Philip Seymour Hoffman
Genre: Drama
Run time: 104 minutes
Theatrical release: December 12, 2008
DVD release: April 7, 2009
MPAA Rating: PG-13
MPAA explanation: thematic material
Watch our review

This review was written by S. Jhoanna Robledo
 
 

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What parents & educators say

13

Most useful reviews by all members

EmilyB123
teen, 15 years old
 
Confusing for young teens and tweens
This movie will confuse a lot of younger teens like myself and tweens. I think to fully understand the concept of this movie you have to be at least 16.

grmntownmom
parent of 15 and 18 year old
 
Good for older teens, but iffy for younger teens and not for kids
This was a great movie. There was nothing graphic shown or talked about, but the theme of child molestation is for more mature teens. The movie's theme about whether to act on gut feelings versus factual evidence was thought provoking and a good message. It also showed how acting on gut suspicion can lead to consequences effecting other peoples lives. Meryl Streep was awesome as the strict and unemotional nun. I think my 16 yr old daughter will enjoy this and it will be something for her to think about. I don't think my 13 year old son would enjoy it - it's a bit slow for him.

Doodelium
kid, 13 years old
 
SUSPENSEFUL!!!
This is one of the most suspenseful films I've seen ever! The acting was AMAZING! Once you start watching this movie you can't stop. So don't plan to watch some of it, stop it, and then watch it later it won't happen, trust me!

lelexy2000
teen, 17 years old
 
i didn't think there was anything that bad in that movie. they was really no language. and no sex. i mean the message of doubt wasn't that good. because the nuns are trying to figure out if the priest had an relations with Donald miller, but nothing was ever shown. i don't find anything wrong with 13 years or old seeing that movie.

Ergtjg
teen, 15 years old
 
Very mature, but fantastic
I have a very mature and philisophical taste, but many teens probably will not appreciate this movie for the masterpiece it is. Absolutely phenomenal acting. Very deep, and really makes you examine yourself, your judgement and what you believe in. Stunning.

Thinker96
teen, 16 years old
 
Depends on the child...
This is a very provoking movie. Nothing is ever explicit. I'm 13, and I'm really glad my parents let me see this movie. The two main things you would worry about is if your child will understand, and many may be disappointed by the unresolved ending.. The only thing I didn't like about this movie is it tried to cover too many things, instead of just focusing on the issue. It was very honest about the goings-on in the catholic churches without pointing fingers. It was amazing. I would advise parents just to think about their child before they let them watch it.

 
Not as good as it should have been.
This movie had so my hype that we expected it to be fantastic. At times thought provoking but it simply doesn't live up to the quality of Meryl Streep or Phillip Seymour Hoffman. We were a bit bored.

eastside01
teen, 17 years old
 
Some "Doubt" in this movie
Although they all got beat out at the Academy Awards by other talented actors, the acting in this film is flawless, but on the other hand the movie itself is OK. The problem with the movie is that they don't get the young boys' perspective and that is the main plot of the movie about the priest(Phillip Seymour Hoffman) commiting a crime towards the boy. But Streep's terrific acting and supporting cast is worth renting.

 
Excellent, but Weighty Film
Doubt is one of those movies that haunts you. The whole story is filled with twists and turns and painful moral questions. One minute, you belive the priest, the next, the nun. What is most disturbing, however, is the lack of proof to either side. Parents: the entire movie deals with a questionable relationship between a priest and a child. The heavy moral themes, racism, deep looks into Catholic morality, and complex relationships make it too difficult to understand for anyone under 15 or 16. Most kids won't want to see it anyway.

lovettbeatle
teen, 16 years old
 
Mature Kids Love It
I loved this movie! Mature kids will appreciate the great acting and script... nothing really innapropriate per se, just the topic,

 
GREAT MOVIE
Philip Seymore Hoffman should have won best supporting actor. He is one of the lead roles in this powerful drama about a nun who suspects a priest of melesting (didnt spell it right?) a black student.

Mr581
teen, 18 years old
 
there is no sexual elements seen but the whole movie is about a priest molesting a child

Moviefan101
teen, 17 years old
 
A fanatastic religious film
This film was my 2nd best for the religious drama catergory. Meryl streep played a good role in this film. Philip Seymour Hoffman played the most stupidest role ive ever seen. He is not the person that shgould have a role as a priest. In Conlusion it is a good film but kick Philip Seymour Hoffman out of any diocese

eteichert
teen, 17 years old
 
Outstanding Entertainment, but in a dark, dreary form!
Im not saying DOUBT was bad, it was amazing in fact! But it's very cark ang at some points depressing overall, its a fantastic drama with outstanding performances and an entirely complete and compelling story!

oniongirl
teen, 14 years old
 
one word-GREAT!
wow! i watched this just recently, and i have to say, i wasn't that excited to see it. man was i wrong! it was rich and thought provoking, with just a touch of mystery! there is not anytnhing visually innapropriate about it, but the overall storyline is not really ok for kids under 12 or so. a great movie with a phonomonal cast! a must see!

jessie12896
teen, 16 years old
 
Boring for kids...
This is not an inappropriate movie as far as sexual content or violence. However, religion is questioned, so if you're very religious, this isn't the best choice for you or your children. Children wouldn't understand the movie. Even if they did, they would be bored very quickly...

 
not for kids at all, but a great movie
kids may not have an interest to see this movie, although it is a movie with a message, kids may not understand this movie at all, and therefore may get bored. however, people that do understand this movie, will see the greatness of this film. phillip seymour hoffman makes a great priest. some people dont know what there are talking about when they say that he plays a stupid role!

fif
educator
 
Very thought provoking
The movie is PG-13 due to thematic elements that younger kids won't understand fully. There is talk about abuse, but not in any real detail. Amazing acting by nearly everyone in the cast. Not for everyone.

zasderfght
teen, 14 years old
 
Doubt is a unique and highly recommended film
Doubt is a film that I'd recommend to teens or adults for that matter. Children won't be aware of the plot revolving around sexual encounters with a priest and a child. They wouldn't also understand the dialogue occurring in this film since it's highly sophisticated and above age level. I highly recommend "Doubt". For sexual content 1/5, the whole plot revolves around a woman accusing a priest of having sexual encounters with a black student. For violence 0/5, there is none. For profanity 1/5, a child utters the word bullsh*t. For drug content 2/5, characters do smoke but infrequently. For social behavior, a priest is accused of being a pedophile or having sexual relations with a black student. So the priest is definitely not a positive role model. For consumerism, the only advertisement is just of an electric radio, but that was used in the earlier ages, so it's extinct from our generation. I highly recommend this film to teens and adults. While nothing is inappropriate in terms of content, there are numerous discussions of a nun accusing a priest of having sexual relations with it's first black student.

Tsion
parent of 15 year old
 
A Superb and Fascinating Drama!
DOUBT stays with you long after the credits. Knowing that, and that the plot revolves around suspected child abuse, this film won't be appropriate for youngsters. The plot is the only issue in the film, outside of one "s**t". Abuse is mentioned in mild terms (improper "relationships" and "interests" being some). Abuse isn’t shown or graphically mentioned. A woman speaks of her son's "nature", implying he might be homosexual. Other than that, it's a great movie. I took two thirteen-year-olds and thought it was okay, but you might not. It's superb.

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