Review of First Reformed (2018) by Matthew D — 09 Jun 2018

Not quite Silence or Taxi Driver.

Spirituality is questioned alongside morality in First Reformed.

Director and writer Paul Schrader has crafted one of 2018's finest, but most frustrating films. First Reformed's ending will surely confuse and upset any audience. This movie is nearly genius; however, it just does not reach such great heights as its clear influences. Schrader is the man that wrote Martin Scorsese's Taxi Driver. First Reformed is remarkably alike to Scorsese's classics Taxi Driver and Silence. Schrader contemplates faith, depression, grief, illness, loss, love, consequence, responsibility, jihad, martyrdom, environmentalism, and conservationism all in First Reformed. Unfortunately due to its unsatisfying climax, you are left empty.

That being said, First Reformed is still a brilliant film in its own right. Schrader's direction is focused and centered on the narrative and character study of this priest Reverend Toller. You get endlessly gorgeous cinematography and clever panning shots. The framing is so thoughtful to what is in the background and foreground at all times. The writing is complex and ponderous. I thought the use of a square aspect ratio really focuses your attention to what is on screen. I really do mean that First Reformed is as beautiful a movie as you are going to see in 2018.

Furthermore, Ethan Hawke gives the performance of the year in First Reformed as Reverend Toller. Hawke is subtle in his movements, facial expressions, phrasing, gestures, and diction. He is so nuanced that he elevates the entire movie. Hawke alone is worth the price of admission. You could argue he carries the film, but Hawke delivers an Oscar worthy performance herein regardless. He make for a believable holy man. I found Ethan Hawke mesmerizing and empathetic throughout the entirety of First Reformed.

Similarly, First Reformed has several nice supporting roles. Amanda Seyfried as Mary plays the worried wife of a troubled man with such compassion and sincerity, you cannot help but sympathize with her. Likewise, the biggest surprise is Cedric the Entertainer as the head of Abundant Life Church. He is endearing, then callous. He plays the entrepreneur opportunistic priest that is underhanded and corrupt to the core. Simultaneously, Cedric pulls of a genuine concern for Reverent Toller during his short screen time.

Lastly, I must mention the complete lack of a score really halts First Reformed's pacing. There is a bit of music in the background towards the end, but the majority of the movie is either talking or quiet. The only music is religious choir songs on occasion. I wish there was maybe some orchestral score or a melancholic jazz score perhaps. Some violins or piano in the background would have greatly helped the atmosphere and run time.

As is, First Reformed will certainly drag for most viewers. I enjoyed it greatly, but I imagine its near silence contemplative tone and frustrating ending will turn First Reformed off for audiences.