When steadfast certainty collides with unrepentant righteousness, a doubt is born. And in the hands of a skilled author, such conflict makes for one hell of a film. John Patrick Shanley has exploited this situation–and done it beyond compare–for a his magnum opus, Doubt. The plot is elegant, yet simple.

An old guard nun perceives a transgression by an up and coming priest involving one a middle school students under her supervision. When she questions the priest, the sparks fly.

Had any other actors besides Meryl Streep and Phillip Seymour Hoffman attempted this material, it would have been larceny. God bless them both for A-plus performances. Believable and credible, Meryl and Phillip deliver the goods.

More impressive than the acting, the movie transcends the usual snares that derail play adaptations. Namely a key plot point that sets the story in motion occurs off-stage, “before” the story. Often the genesis–when it is revealed–proves more interesting than anything in the production, which is why I dislike most plays. Good casting and direction often compensates for such mangling of plot; however this is generally a distraction, clever though it may be.

There is no such ruse at work in Doubt. It delivers the goods, scene after scene.

What works about Doubt:

1) Cast. Hoffman deserves an Oscar and a Golden Globe.

2) Direction. Kudos for making something that appears on the surface religious, so secular and universal.

3) Texture. Lots of little subtleties develop and demonstrate character.

What to keep in mind:

1) Like a play, there are less scenes than in a typical movie. At the same, those scenes trend on the longish side.

Verdict: Theater full-price. Buy the DVD. Oscars all around.