First Reformed

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Chris P Oye, I get what they were tying to do but they could have gone about it so differently. I guess i just don't get movies like this. They end up getting really weird and far out there and end terribly. Hawke is such a terrific actor, wish he would take more roles that aren't almost always so dark and depressing. This movie was mostly interesting until it just wasn't. You know where it was most likely to go but you just had to finish it even though you knew you were going to regret it at the end. Having said that the acting was done very well, the only true and good thing about it. Rated 1/5 Stars •  Rated 1 out of 5 stars 04/10/25 Full Review Evan B I think every cinematic masterpiece is, ultimately, particular; though it may be universally lauded for its acting, cinematography, or script, it does what it does on its own terms, and thus speaks differently. While Schindler's List is considered a classic, the lesser-known The Grey Zone is arguably more disturbing and a more effective portrayal of its subject matter. The same goes for Saving Private Ryan - its opening shots of Omaha Beach are unforgettable, but Stuart Cooper's Overlord captures the indifference and futility of D-day that strikes a different chord than Spielberg's epic (not to pick on Steven). First Reformed is, for me, a point-blank masterpiece. From the opening shot of the titular church to the what-the-f*@K ending, the film captures the crucible of faith in a world that has not only marginalized traditional faith but also seems to have lost faith in the future of the world. Weaving themes of faith and doubt, courage and despair, sacrifice and complicity, Ethan Hawke's performance as a pastor of a failing church is mesmerizing, a modern pilgrim traversing the world's dark night of the soul. Some might disagree with my masterpiece label, but as a believer who has wrestled in the night of doubt and dread from time to time, First Reformed is one of the most spiritually on-point films I have ever seen. Its themes will be as urgently relevant fifty years from now as they are today. Rated 5/5 Stars •  Rated 5 out of 5 stars 01/30/25 Full Review Audience Member One of the most overrated movies I’ve ever seen Rated 2/5 Stars •  Rated 2 out of 5 stars 01/13/25 Full Review B B Apart from making the rational look irrational, I have no complaints. Our complacency to what is happening to and our part in destroying our planet is irrational. Yet if you speak the truth, quote the studies and point out that all the things that have already happened and are happening right now were predicted by scientists, you'd sound insane. So let's all collaboratively and collectively bury our heads in the sand. Rated 4/5 Stars •  Rated 4 out of 5 stars 12/31/24 Full Review 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 Read all reviews

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