First Reformed

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Audience Member One of Schrader's better works that goes off the cliff in the third act. Rated 1.5/5 Stars •  Rated 1.5 out of 5 stars 09/22/24 Full Review Dan R 2017's 'First Reformed' is a powerful film that isn't all you believe it to be right up until its conclusion. SYNOPSIS: 'A minister of a small congregation in upstate New York grapples with mounting despair brought on by tragedy, worldly concerns and a tormented past.' This film feels like an unappreciated work of art. Most people, like myself, will never have heard of this, yet it's so emotionally charged it's difficult to shake off it's messages after watching it. Ethan Hawke is outstanding in his role of a reverend battling his own inner demons, his own questions about faith and how they fight against the world of big business. His performance is raw, ragged and taut. His exasperation leads to hopelessness which in turn nearly leads to a desperate end. A portrait of spiritual agony that I've never seen on screen before. As much as this film is a slow burn, maybe tedious at times, it's a film which is so impactful it'll pose so many questions for the viewer. A masterful piece of cinema. 8/10 Rated 4/5 Stars •  Rated 4 out of 5 stars 05/17/24 Full Review Alec C What do we have left to believe in when we don't have our faith?! A reverend starts to spiral as he begins to doubt his church and its supposed morals, causing him to resort to some extremities. An insightful look into the churches many have put their faith in and the many moral hypocrisy that has questioned the path of God! Rated 5/5 Stars •  Rated 5 out of 5 stars 03/06/24 Full Review Chuck Houck C I thought this was better-than-average the first time I saw it. After seeing it 2-3 more times over the years, my opinion has become that this is one of Ethan Hake's best performances. Rated 4.5/5 Stars •  Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 03/05/24 Full Review Jeff M I normally post reviews of movies within 48 hours of watching them so they are fresh in my mind. I've actually been sitting on this one for a week going back and forth, reliving scenes and performances in my mind and actually re-watching a couple. Let's say this upfront - Hawke is extraordinary! It baffles me how the Academy can hand the Oscar to a cartoonish performance like Rami Malek in BOHEMIAN RHAPSODY and in the same year not even nominate sublime work such as this. Art is indeed truly subjective. Thankfully, the film itself is almost as good as Hawke, and as someone who has serious concerns about organized religion after being highly involved in my younger years, it really gave me a lot to think about. It's a quietly devastating film whose atmospheric darkness and dreariness is a perfect companion to the lead character's anxiety and depression. I really wanted to give this at least 1/2 a star more, but I was let down by the very final seconds of the film which sadly turn conventional and are not worthy of what has come before it. Not a lot of laughs here, obviously, but a lot to think about and discuss afterwards. And, again, Hawke has never been better and carries this film on his shoulders like a pro! Rated 4/5 Stars •  Rated 4 out of 5 stars 02/04/24 Full Review Alec B This is one of Schrader's best movies, with a screenplay reworking elements of "Taxi Driver" to ask serious moral questions about modern American Christianity and what, if any, purpose it can serve. Also, this career best work from Ethan Hawke. Rated 4.5/5 Stars •  Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 01/05/24 Full Review Read all reviews

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