First Reformed

2018 • 113 minutes

About this movie

From Golden Globe® Nominee Director Paul Schrader (Taxi Driver, American Gigolo, Affliction), FIRST REFORMED is a brooding, thriller-drama centred around Ernst Toller (Academy Award® Nominee Ethan Hawke), a troubled priest of a small, historical church in upstate New York, who starts to spiral out of control after a soul-shaking encounter with Mary (Amanda Seyfried) and her husband Michael, an unstable environmental activist. Consumed by thoughts that the world is in danger and motivated by the church’s lack of action, Toller embarks on a perilous self-assigned undertaking with the hope that he may finally restore the faith and purpose he’s been longing for in his mission to right the wrongs done to so many. - ( Original Title - First Reformed )

Ratings and reviews

I would give it about 3 and a half stars out of five. Very slow and not much happens in it. I watched it all but was not that much impressed.

First reformed bravely looks at the impact of the climate crisis, as well as the hypocrisy of the church, businesses and individuals on all sides. It is dark no doubt and not perfect but I'm glad there is challenging and intelligent film making like this. Has good performances and the cinematography is beautifully bleak.