First Reformed

This film tells the remarkable story of an internally torn priest, played with gusto by Ethan Hawke. The plot initially drags on terribly, especially when one realizes that there's hardly any positive thought to be found here. It is just a kind of creeping calm before the storm. The final twenty minutes of the film completely blew my mind, so I can forgive Paul Schrader for the romantic ending. Actually, why not? After all, Mary was probably the only possible salvation for Ernst, and Ethan Hawke put all his physical acting into that last minute. All of a sudden, he was completely irresistible. (75%) (01/05/2021)

The Czech version of the title says it all: Despair and Hope. Especially since the hope in this case is rather sporadic, borderline nonexistent. The thing is that the movie indirectly hits at the Church, which is represented by a depressed priest portrayed by Ethan Hawke. He is doing quite a good job of it. The film even has a number of interesting ideas and the right atmosphere for those who revel in sadness… but what happens at the end of the movie, that’s simply a bit off. (22/02/2019)

Every once in a while, I come across a small movie in which the acting, camera work, soundtrack, screenplay, and direction, in general, are all in perfect harmony. They manage to communicate their message well, pulling the audience into its intelligent and intense narrative. First Reformed left me satisfied with the feeling that this movie has all the ingredients necessary for this. Perhaps Paul Schrader was inspired in part by the classic movie Winter Light, although Schrader hit the mark emotionally, where perhaps Ingmar Bergman left me a little cold. So in the end the fact that at times it is slightly reminiscent of that particular movie does not really leave me with anything to complain about. I am glad that Ethan Hawke brought this movie to the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival this year and that I had the chance to see it on the big screen. [KVIFF 2021] (02/09/2021)

A film like from a long-gone era: slow, thoughtful and interpretatively challenging, with the voiceover of the main character, a static camera and carefully composed shots, but at the same smartly current with the topics of environmental crisis and suicidal activists. The Czech title is exceptionally good this time because it reflects the parallel development of the two lines of thought with which Reverend Toller struggles, whose development and current importance is subordinated also to the level of the style, and that lead to a gripping conclusion and an ending that made my heart beat like a racehorse. An old-school experience supported by great music and fantastic actors – Hawke’s sober performance deserves an award, Amanda is well cast after a long time and fully exploits her potential to be someone’s “darling” for her angel’s ayes and overall appearance. If it was an hour longer, it would still keep me hooked and curious. 90% (23/01/2019)