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First Reformed

  • 2017
  • R
  • 1h 53m
IMDb RATING
7.1/10
65K
YOUR RATING
POPULARITY
3,963
995
Ethan Hawke in First Reformed (2017)
A former military chaplain is wracked by grief over the death of his son. Mary is a member of his church whose husband, a radical environmentalist, commits suicide, setting the plot in motion.
Play trailer2:15
7 Videos
99+ Photos
Psychological DramaPsychological ThrillerSuspense MysteryTragedyDramaMysteryThriller

A minister of a small congregation in upstate New York grapples with mounting despair brought on by tragedy, worldly concerns and a tormented past.A minister of a small congregation in upstate New York grapples with mounting despair brought on by tragedy, worldly concerns and a tormented past.A minister of a small congregation in upstate New York grapples with mounting despair brought on by tragedy, worldly concerns and a tormented past.

  • Director
    • Paul Schrader
  • Writer
    • Paul Schrader
  • Stars
    • Ethan Hawke
    • Amanda Seyfried
    • Cedric The Entertainer
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • IMDb RATING
    7.1/10
    65K
    YOUR RATING
    POPULARITY
    3,963
    995
    • Director
      • Paul Schrader
    • Writer
      • Paul Schrader
    • Stars
      • Ethan Hawke
      • Amanda Seyfried
      • Cedric The Entertainer
    • 425User reviews
    • 284Critic reviews
    • 86Metascore
  • See production info at IMDbPro
    • Nominated for 1 Oscar
      • 62 wins & 109 nominations total

    Videos7

    Official Trailer
    Trailer 2:15
    Official Trailer
    Ethan Hawke Inspired by Paul Schrader for Grim Opening Ritual of "Moon Knight"
    Clip 3:38
    Ethan Hawke Inspired by Paul Schrader for Grim Opening Ritual of "Moon Knight"
    Ethan Hawke Inspired by Paul Schrader for Grim Opening Ritual of "Moon Knight"
    Clip 3:38
    Ethan Hawke Inspired by Paul Schrader for Grim Opening Ritual of "Moon Knight"
    First Reformed: Always In The Garden
    Clip 0:40
    First Reformed: Always In The Garden
    First Reformed: Paul Schrader's Process (Featurette)
    Featurette 2:48
    First Reformed: Paul Schrader's Process (Featurette)
    First Reformed: The Cinema Of Paul Schrader (Featurette)
    Featurette 1:43
    First Reformed: The Cinema Of Paul Schrader (Featurette)
    First Reformed: Crisis Of Faith (Featurette)
    Featurette 1:31
    First Reformed: Crisis Of Faith (Featurette)

    Photos138

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    Top cast41

    Edit
    Ethan Hawke
    Ethan Hawke
    • Rev. Ernst Toller
    Amanda Seyfried
    Amanda Seyfried
    • Mary Mensana
    Cedric The Entertainer
    Cedric The Entertainer
    • Rev. Joel Jeffers
    • (as Cedric Antonio Kyles)
    Victoria Hill
    Victoria Hill
    • Esther
    Philip Ettinger
    Philip Ettinger
    • Michael Mensana
    Michael Gaston
    Michael Gaston
    • Edward Balq
    Bill Hoag
    Bill Hoag
    • Elder
    Kristin Villanueva
    Kristin Villanueva
    • Nurse
    Ingrid Kullberg-Bendz
    Ingrid Kullberg-Bendz
    • Middle-Aged Tourist
    Ken Forman
    Ken Forman
    • Middle-Aged Man
    • (as Ken Foreman)
    Christopher Dylan White
    Christopher Dylan White
    • College Student
    Frank Rodriguez
    Frank Rodriguez
    • Sheriff
    Gary Lee Mahmoud
    Gary Lee Mahmoud
    • Doctor
    Joseph Anthony Jerez
    Joseph Anthony Jerez
    • War Vet in Wheelchair
    • (as Joseph Jerez)
    Sue Jean Kim
    Sue Jean Kim
    • Suriya
    Miah Velasquez
    Miah Velasquez
    • Rose
    • (as Miah Issabella Velasquez)
    Tyler Bourke
    Tyler Bourke
    • Benny
    Natalie Woolams-Torres
    Natalie Woolams-Torres
    • Clerk
    • Director
      • Paul Schrader
    • Writer
      • Paul Schrader
    • All cast & crew
    • Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

    User reviews425

    7.165.2K
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    Featured reviews

    pjmdancer

    A daring and unexpected piece of filmmaking

    I never expected to be so moved by "First Reformed", a small indie that tackles large themes such as climate change, mental health, and faith rather ferociously. Though it is a bit of a slow-burn at the start, it's impossible not to be drawn in by Ethan Hawke's magnetizing performance. He is masterful as Ernst Toller, a pastor who begins to unravel after an encounter a husband and wife who are environmental activists. The second half of the film is particularly strong, as Toller's polite and unassuming facade begins to crack, and writer/director Paul Schrader makes some daring filmmaking choices that add to the unpredictability of the film as it heads toward the climax. Though the ending has been controversial among audiences, I thought it was an incredibly bold, beautifully executed choice, and the final few minutes of the film have been seared into my mind. Regardless of how you respond to the ending, there is no doubt that this is a thought-provoking and important piece of art. A must-see.
    9Kings_Requiem

    I don't want God's forgiveness... I want his help!

    'First Reformed' is an extremely challenging film. Maybe the most challenging that I've seen. I expected nothing less from Paul Schrader, though, as he's written and directed a lot of challenging stuff over the years. It's slow, methodical and exacting. It asks important questions but does not give any easy answers (or answers in general for that matter)...

    Ethan Hawke's performance at the epicenter of this film really is a towering achievement. It's the kind of performance that will do down as not only one of the best of the year, but this will be remembered (most likely) as his career best. Ernst Toller is a man struggling internally with immense pain and turmoil. The loss of his only child has caused his marriage to fall apart so he has since turned to the Lord for whatever form of relief he can find. Nothing will ever take away that pain, but he's at least been able to somewhat cope with it over the years...though he has never really found true peace or happiness and has since turned to the bottle (like most men seem to) for solace. He writes in a journal every day as a form of self prayer or maybe just a way to put his ruinous thoughts down on paper instead of keeping them bottled up where they could potentially do more harm. A meeting with a local man one day where a multitude of different end-of-the-world topics are discussed ends up leading the Reverend down a rabbit-hole of immense consequences. All of which cause Toller to question his commitment to God and the Church. He's the pastor of a small local church that are all but extinct now and every city is being overrun with these massive churches. Faith has become a spectacle run by mostly phonies who only care about the bottom-line instead of the people and the close-knit community - another thing that frustrates him. Ethan Hawke is able to quietly walk this emotional tightrope the entire film and never allows him to fall into any histrionics. Amanda Seyfried takes on the important role of Mary (one of only 2 main female roles) and she delivers her best performance as well. Mary becomes a integral part of the Reverend's life as they're able to help each other through these difficult times...although it can be kinda hard to see what ways she really helps him. Cedric "The Entertainer" Kyles also shows up along the way as the pastor of the big conglomerate church who, despite good intentions, is probably doing more harm than good.

    I feel like it really demands to be seen whether you're a person of faith or not. This is definitely not your typical Christian film and that's probably gonna upset a lot of people, but this one (and Schrader) have more lofty ideas and weighty themes on their mind. This is a very dense screenplay which leads to a heavy film that expects a lot from the audience. Paul Schrader isn't letting anyone off the hook easily here...he's being patient and letting the film open up at its own pace. This is also the kind of film that doesn't divulge all of its secrets in one sitting...it expects you to come back to it and soak it all in over multiple viewings - which with a film of this ilk you should probably do anyway.

    Paul Schrader and company have created something wholly unique and special with 'First Reformed' and I think it's definitely something to be valued. So if you're in the mood for something a little different and don't mind your movies making you think, then please give it a chance!
    8bastille-852-731547

    Thought-Provoking, Unsettling Character Study

    Paul Schrader's new drama "First Reformed" is a drama about a grieving reverend who is counseling a couple--the husband of which is a radical environmentalist. This is a talky, dialogue- driven, and unsettling thriller that makes you both empathize with its characters as well as send a chill down your spine at times.

    The film's deeply intellectual and serious commentary on matters of religion and environmentalism is profound and thoughtful. This movie will likely not be suited for mainstream audiences desiring cheap entertainment, but serious viewers looking to be challenged in their thought processes will have much material to ponder during--and after--they view the movie. The acting is very strong, as Schrader commands his cast into giving low-key but quietly powerful and resonant performances. The standouts in the cast are Ethan Hawke's lead role as well as Amanda Seyfried and Cedric the Entertainer in the supporting cast. A gripping, dark (almost relentlessly so at times) tone keeps the viewer engrossed in the film. While this isn't a horror film (despite containing disturbing content and moments,) the film's simple score is incredibly chilling and gets under one's skin more than almost any other film's score I have witnessed in a long time.

    My only complaints about this film are found in the third act. A dreamlike, surrealistic scene inspired by impressionism that involves the protagonist and Seyfried's character feels out of place given the grim tone deeply rooted in realism. Additionally, a quick and highly abrupt cut in the film's finale feels disappointing and almost like the equivalent of a 'cop-out' in film editing. It did not positively impact how I viewed the film's ending. But other than these concerns, this is a very well-made and serious drama designed to quietly shock audiences into a state of reflection on the world today as we know it. 8/10
    8ciaofrancesca

    Should a modern priest follow Jesus's way or the Church's interests?

    First Reformed presents a true account of modern times. The protagonist, a relatively young priest, is faced with the dilemma of either following the word of Jesus or welcoming the economic benefits that being complacent with a polluting international company will bring to his church. The film is full of profound thoughts, which are very true about the aim of institutions, their core purpose and the difficulty in having a wisdom capable of balancing and believing in the coexistence of opposing values, at the same time. There is also a subtle critique about the "new age" or "new economy" philosophy of optimism and abundance, at all costs, as if belonging to such groups could provide the adept with a magic pill that relives from thinking about modern injustices and global challenges.
    7asiira

    A Critique of Man

    First Reformed is a movie about religion. It is about big business and the environmental destruction of which they are to blame. It is about a willingness of the Church to turn a blind eye in the face of sin. It is about love. It is about hope. But these subjects fall away as Paul Schrader tightens his focus onto a detached pastor. An unnerving and bleak look into the despair that can envelope the most faithful or the most hopeful, Ethan Hawke's brutally honest presentation of an unsure and resentful man along with foreboding gray scaled cinematography leaves the audience asking: But what of man? What of this broken man in particular? Why does man fear their own destruction so greatly that they are willing to end their life before that destruction could take them? Paul Schrader's newest film may be shrouded in politics, religion, or the philosophy of love, faith, or hope, but behind the obvious horror lies the subconscious dread. Not the existential dread of living in an imperfect and devastating world, but the fear of how oneself will react to the overwhelming despair of a reality with little hope.

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    Storyline

    Edit

    Did you know

    Edit
    • Trivia
      Amanda Seyfried was pregnant during the production.
    • Goofs
      The physician describes cancer treatment options referring to them as "diagnostic tools".
    • Quotes

      Reverend Ernst Toller: Courage is the solution to despair, reason provides no answers. I can't know what the future will bring; we have to choose despite uncertainty. Wisdom is holding two contradictory truths in our mind, simultaneously, Hope and despair. A life without despair is a life without hope. Holding these two ideas in our head is life itself.

    • Connections
      Featured in Conan: Cedric the Entertainer/Julian Dennison/Tuxedo & Zapp (2018)
    • Soundtracks
      Are You Washed in the Blood
      Written by Elisha A. Hoffman

      Performed by Julia Murney, Ronald Peet, Elanna White, Jake Alden-Falconer, Eric Lockley, Krystina Alabado

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    FAQ20

    • How long is First Reformed?Powered by Alexa
    • What does Mary say to Reverend Toller at the end of the film just before he drops the glass of Drano?

    Details

    Edit
    • Release date
      • June 8, 2018 (United States)
    • Countries of origin
      • United States
      • United Kingdom
      • Australia
    • Official sites
      • Official Facebook
      • Official site
    • Language
      • English
    • Also known as
      • El reverendo
    • Filming locations
      • Zion Episcopal Church, Douglaston, Queens, New York City, New York, USA(old white church)
    • Production companies
      • Killer Films
      • Omeira Studio Partners
      • Fibonacci Films
    • See more company credits at IMDbPro

    Box office

    Edit
    • Budget
      • $3,500,000 (estimated)
    • Gross US & Canada
      • $3,448,256
    • Opening weekend US & Canada
      • $97,562
      • May 20, 2018
    • Gross worldwide
      • $3,870,404
    See detailed box office info on IMDbPro

    Tech specs

    Edit
    • Runtime
      1 hour 53 minutes
    • Color
      • Color
    • Sound mix
      • Dolby Digital
    • Aspect ratio
      • 1.37 : 1

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