Review of First Reformed (2018) by Jluis_001 — 14 Aug 2018

This is definitely Ethan Hawke's best performance since Before Midnight, although Born to Be Blue is also a good starting point.

But definitely the actor without taking risks - which are not necessary - delivers a solid, emotional and sensitive performance with which undoubtedly becomes the strongest reason to watch this film. There are other good interventions, especially from Amanda Seyfried, but the film belongs completely to Hawke.

The story is simple but penetrating and intense. A look at depression in a daily routine centered on the thoughts of the character of Hawke: a tormented priest who decides to translate into a diary everything that happens to him, in scenes that work as excellent internal monologues about his mental state.

It's dark and also a bit ambiguous, especially the ending but it's a pretty good film and another success for A24.