Review of First Reformed (2018) by April H — 25 May 2018

I thought the ambition and philosophical nature of this movie were so refreshing. I'd seen a handful of so-so to plain-awful movies out recently; not much to shout about since Oscar season. The pacing, characterization and inner struggles felt like those of a classic novel--there was so much time spent on the main character's back story and inner motivations.

I was able to guess important plot turns but that wasn't disappointing because the plot turns felt inevitable, not predictable. I've loved Ethan Hawke since "Dead Poet's Society" and I thought his performance was fantastic.

It was hard to picture him as a priest prior to the film but he was able to demonstrate the self-discipline of a man of religion that was in keeping with the self-discipline of a military veteran. His despair and penitence made me often flinch in my seat.

I wish more movies and actors would raise the stakes to grapple with spiritual questions, to earnestly inquire about the meaning of life. Maybe it's not cool or trendy or profitable to look God in the eye and wonder, but thank goodness for the artists who do.