Plot: Set in 1964, Sister Aloysius (Meryl Streep) is suspicious of Father Brendan Flynn (Philip Seymour Hoffman), who is new to the church and the school that is attached to it. She then suspects that Father Flynn has an inappropriate relationship with Donald, the school's only black student and altar boy. Sister James (Amy Adams), who is a young and naive teacher, is conflicted. Despite having no proof and being told repeatedly to drop the matter, Sister Aloysius remains firm on her belief and doesn't let go.
Review: The film is based on a play. John Patrick Shanley wrote the original play and he adapted his original play into a film. He also directed it. We have the sense that this is based on a film because the film has limited locations.
The performances in the film are top notch. Meryl Streep, Philip Seymour Hoffman and Amy Adams are all brilliant. They all portray the different sides in real-life incidents like those that happen in the film. Viola Davis portrays Donald's mother. She's only on-screen for roughly ten minutes or more and she stands out. All four actors received nominations at the Oscars for Meryl Streep (Best Actress), Philip Seymour Hoffman (Best Supporting Actor), Amy Adams (Best Supporting Actress) and Viola Davis (Best Supporting Actress). The film received five Oscar nominations and the acting in the film earned four of them. That speaks volumes.
The plot itself and the themes addressed are timeless. Religion, possible abuse within the church and more. What I like about the film is that we're never told whether or not Father Flynn actually abused the student. Supposedly, writer/director John Patrick Shanley only told the actor who portrayed Flynn if whether or not the abuse happened. Although some might find it frustrating, I think it's a realistic approach and leaves our imaginations to wonder.
A film with timeless themes and top-notch acting that will be appreciated by any moviegoer.
Rating: 4.5/5
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