Meryl Streep is starched and venemously bitter in her role as Sister Aloyisous. The absence of makeup makes her appear even more doggedly determined to get Father Flynn. Philip Seymour Hoffman is a great Father Flynn. Viola Davis' cameo performance as a student's mother will leave you amazed. The question that weaves throughout this well crafted film is, who is telling the truth. The use of weather to introduce themeatic changes is a bit staged, but all in all a great piece of work.