First Reformed

In the film First Reformed, Ethan Hawke stars as Toller, a quiet and introspective pastor of a small church in upstate New York, named First Reformed. The church is an old structure, built in the 19th century, and serves as a symbol of history, morality, and a connection to the past. Toller seems to be a man who has lost his sense of purpose and connection to his faith. He delivers sermons that are often more about him than the congregation, hinting at his own personal struggles. The story takes a profound turn when a couple, Mary and Joseph, arrive at the church. Mary is pregnant and a devout believer, while Joseph is an environmental activist who has been involved in protests against a local big-box store, known as "Save That Heaven," which is harming the environment. The couple meets with Toller, and their discussion leads to a deep and philosophical conversation about faith, morality, and the true meaning of life. Mary is struggling to find meaning in her life and to connect with the natural world and its rhythms. She feels that the world around her is becoming increasingly desolate and polluted, and she sees herself as part of this problem. Her husband, Joseph, is consumed by guilt and anger over his failures as a father and a husband, which has led to their decision to have a child through assisted reproduction. The couple's visit serves as a catalyst for Toller's spiritual crisis, sparking a series of events that challenge his faith and force him to confront his own flaws. One of the key elements of First Reformed is its nuanced portrayal of faith. The film explores the complexities of spirituality and the ways in which people find meaning in a world that often seems devoid of it. The movie is not about promoting dogmatic faith or simplistic solutions, but rather about the complexities of human experience and the need for connection and community. Through his conversations with Mary and Joseph, Toller begins to question the meaning of his own faith. He starts to see the hypocrisy and superficiality of his own message, which emphasizes individual salvation over collective action and social justice. He starts to understand that faith must be applied to real-world problems, rather than being a detached and theoretical concept. As Toller becomes increasingly obsessed with the couple's story and the meaning of life, he starts to unravel. His church becomes increasingly neglected, and his once-predictable routine is disrupted by a series of personal crises. His wife has been dying of cancer for some time, and Toller's feelings of guilt and abandonment start to emerge. His own sense of purpose and meaning is called into question, and he starts to wonder whether he has the strength to carry on. First Reformed explores the intersection of faith, morality, and personal identity, raising important questions about the role of spirituality in an increasingly materialistic world. The film is a haunting and introspective exploration of the human condition, one that challenges its audience to think critically about the state of the world and our place in it. Throughout the movie, director Paul Schrader creates an eerie and atmospheric world that reflects the mood of Toller's inner turmoil. The cinematography is stark and beautiful, with a muted color palette that reflects the desolation and disillusionment of the characters. The production design is exquisite, with a focus on the crumbling structures and decaying architecture of the church. As First Reformed comes to a close, Toller is faced with a series of choices that will determine the course of his life. Will he surrender to his despair and nihilism, or will he find a way to reconcile his faith with the realities of the world? The film's conclusion is intentionally ambiguous and open-ended, leaving the audience to ponder the meaning of Toller's journey and the implications of his choices. In the end, First Reformed is a thought-provoking and deeply moving film that challenges its audience to engage with the complexities of faith, morality, and personal identity. It is a movie that will leave viewers thinking long after the credits roll, and one that will haunt them for weeks to come.