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Andy K (10821 KP) rated First Reformed (2018) in Movies

Jul 6, 2019

First Reformed (2018)

2018 | Drama, Thriller

5.5

(6 Ratings)

Movie Rating

Emotionless emotion takes its toll

Father Toller is a troubled man. Every day his convictions are being tested in the world all around him. His marriage failed due to the death of a child. A couple comes to him for help only to have that end in tragedy. The 250th anniversary of his home base church is coming up bringing with it all sorts of planning and the forced inclusion of one of the sponsors; a large company who is a leading contributor of pollution to the Earth. Then, his health deteriorates and he won't let others in to help or console him.

How can he stand by and let these things happen? He sits in on group therapy sessions at the church and is confronted by those who don't believe or are conflicted by what they see happening around them as well.

He is approached by a grieving woman and is torn by his own emotional reactions to her and her needs.

First Reformed is a character study of this troubled, religious man and his actions and reactions to his crumbling encounters with the world. He wants to say more, but feels he can't while staying true to his convictions.

Ethan Hawke has a great resume and is performance here is breathtaking and should've received at least an Oscar nomination. It seems he is often overlooked and has given great performances for years in films like Training Day, Dead Poets Society and Alive. His role here is complex and I would imagine difficult to portray someone who has to lead a muffled existence.

I am still digesting the ending of the film, so I am not sure how I feel about that yet.

Ask me again in a couple days. Unique for sure.