News on Netflix: In less than 8 minutes, this actress steals the show from Meryl Streep and launches her career!

Released in 2008, Doubt is John Patrick Shanley’s adaptation of his Pulitzer-winning play. Set in a Bronx parish in the 1960s, this psychological drama revolves its narrative around the tension between faith, doubt and power.

Sister Aloysius (Meryl Streep), the principal of a Catholic school, suspects Father Flynn (Philip Seymour Hoffman) of abusing Donald Miller, a 12-year-old boy, the institution’s first black student.

The narrative hinges on uncertainty: is Flynn guilty? Are Aloysius’ accusations motivated by a quest for justice or prejudice? But the heart of the film is a heart-wrenching scene in which Mrs. Miller, played by Viola Davis, reveals a more difficult truth.

Outan’s mother in the face

Mrs. Miller only appears for ten minutes in total, but her role is central. When Sister Aloysius confides her suspicions in Father Flynn, he does not react as expected. Instead of condemning him, he pleads with his sister to let his son stay in school until the end of the year so he can enjoy the education he sees as the key to a better future.

And in a moment of disarming candour, he hints at Donald’s possible homosexuality, a revelation that was shocking at the time and the light of his own resignation.

Mrs. Miller, aware of the potential violence, however, seems to accept this trade-off: the ambitions she has for her son come first, even before her immediate protection.

This position, disturbing but deeply human, reflects her situation as a black woman, captive to the social inequalities and pressures of her time and, moreover, to a violent home. In her view, father Flynn’s abuse allows her son to escape her husband’s violence and homophobia. Watch this disturbing 7mn41s face-to-face again:

Unforgettable performance

Viola Davis’ performance in this scene is masterful. Her nuanced performance simultaneously captures the pain, fear and determination of a woman facing the unimaginable. With an economy of gestures and words, he imposes an emotional intensity that is overwhelming.

Little known at the time, Viola Davis seems to be the equal of Meryl Streep, giving her an edge without ever trying to be superior. It’s a real lesson in acting as we see two tremendous actors playing characters to the wall.

This performance earned Viola Davis her first Oscar nomination in a supporting role. Despite being on screen for less than ten minutes, she managed to make a lasting impression, redefining what a supporting role can do.

This heart-rending portrayal of a mother willing to do anything for her child’s future not only added an even more dramatic note to the story, but also confirmed her place among the greatest actresses of her generation.

Doubt is now available on Netflix.