When In Doubt, Call On Meryl

Doubt is an adaptation of a stage play, and boy, does it feel like it. It's static, confined to a few locations, and has only 3 principle characters. But those restrictions never held back people like Tarantino.

The story examines the pros and cons of being doubtful, as Nuns Amy Adams and then her boss, Meryl Streep start to suspect their boss, Preist Philip Semour Hoffman of an inappropriate relationship with a 12 year old pupil. Adams wavers from the start, but Steep is certain of Hoffman's indiscretions. And so the scene is set for much scenery chewing and confrontations.

Ambiguity is maintained throughout which keeps it compulsive viewing; the did he/didn't he question in played out right to the end.

In the end though its the performances which define this low key movie, and they are fine from top to bottom. But it's Streep that shines here in a role that makes her unlikable... but still relatable. Come Oscar time, if she wins it's cause she deserves to.