This movie definitely lives up to its name. I can honestly say that I constantly changed my mind throughout the film as to the guilt or innocence of Phillip Seymour Hoffman's character. The movie leaves you wondering, and I sometimes like that, but for this one, the ending to me felt a little flat.
The performances were anything but, however. Meryl Streep, as always, was immersed in her character of the dreaded dragon-lady, the head nun, Sister Aloysius. It was easy to see why she was so feared by the students and summarily disliked, even hated, by her colleagues.
Hoffman as Father Flynn was at once kind and questionable, but at face value, he seemed like an ideal priest for this parish. His genuine caring and understanding was evident, and Hoffman played the role effortlessly, while allowing us to wonder about him without overt signs or glaring flaws.
Amy Adams was very well cast also, and did a wonderful job as the sugary sweet Sister James, but showed more heart and depth as she troubled herself over her role in judging Father Flynn. I honestly thought her role and her character was a shining spot in the movie, even surrounded by the heavy hitting talent.
This movie is definitely worth seeing, and I hadn't seen the play beforehand. I am sure the directors and writer's stayed true to the script in adapting it, but the ending to me was just lackluster compared to all the tension and build up throughout the film.
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