In 1964 Bronx, two Catholic school nuns question the new priest's ambiguous relationship with a troubled African-American student.
Acting
Streep, Hoffman, Adams, Davis—four Oscar nominations, zero weak links.
Writing
Pulitzer-winning dialogue that weaponizes ambiguity.
Direction
Shanley's wind and light: God's judgment or just weather?
Director
John Patrick Shanley
Meryl Streep
Sister Aloysius Beauvier
Philip Seymour Hoffman
Father Brendan Flynn
Amy Adams
Sister James
Viola Davis
Mrs. Miller
Alice Drummond
Sister Veronica
Audrie Neenan
Sister Raymond
Susan Blommaert
Mrs. Carson
Carrie Preston
Christine Hurley
John Costelloe
Warren Hurley
Bridget Megan Clark
Noreen Horan
Mike Roukis
William London
Frank Dolce
Ralph
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Viola Davis filmed her devastating eight-minute scene in just two takes, earning her first Oscar nomination.
Released during the 2008 Catholic Church abuse scandal resurgence, it felt less like period piece and more like live wire. Shanley refused to confirm Father Flynn's guilt even to the actors.
US
