Review of First Reformed (2018) by Alex W — 29 Aug 2018
This movie explores human experience in the world, in the body, in prayer, and in the quest for/encounter with the Divine. The storyline is edgy--jarring even-- and it carries the narrative of two male pastors, one in abundance, one in scarcity, as they grapple with differences in their missions and in the burdens they carry.
Is mainline Christianity ossified and impotent, or is it honest about not having all the answers? Are postmodern megachurches shallow paths to works-based righteousness and a prosperity Gospel, or are they honest about the reality of the mission field? I don't think there were any easy political or religious positions in the movie.
I was taken with the dialogue between these two extremes and I was riveted by the performances all around. The women in the film were interesting to me: only young, no later-career women; they were secretaries and moms and teachers focused on rearing children and supporting/caring for men.
A great film, much to think about.
This review of First Reformed (2018) was written by Alex W on 29 Aug 2018.
First Reformed has generally received positive reviews.
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