Parents' Guide to

Doubt

By S. Jhoanna Robledo, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 17+

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

Movie PG-13 2008 104 minutes
Doubt Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this movie.

Community Reviews

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age 14+

Based on 8 parent reviews

wonder dove
wonder dove Adult
January 15, 2013
age 15+

Average.

I thought it was an okay movie, but a little dull and somewhat slow. The concept is excellent (set in the 60's) and the actors were great (Loving Amy Adams!) however it isn't something that I'd watch again. Kids and some teens may not be interested as the theme is kind of complex - no sex, not much violence and very mild language. I'd say it's safe for 15+ viewers!
grmntownmom
grmntownmom Parent of 13 and 16-year-old
September 10, 2009
age 16+

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.
See all 8 parent reviews

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?

Our review:
Parents say (8):
Kids say (14):

Often, adapting a play of this magnitude for the big screen gives birth to disappointment, but Doubt survives as an engrossing, provocative drama. 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.

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.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • 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?

Movie Details

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Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.

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