First Reformed

Synopsis

First Reformed follows the life of Reverend Ernst Toller, a former military chaplain who is struggling with his faith and his role as a pastor in a small parish. When a pregnant parishioner asks for help, Ernst begins to question his beliefs and his place in the world. As he delves deeper into the ecological and moral issues facing society, Ernst is forced to confront his own inner demons and make a decision that will test his convictions to the core. The film explores themes of faith, redemption, and the consequences of inaction in the face of overwhelming despair.

Cast

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  Ethan Hawke

  Pastor Ernst Toller

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  Amanda Seyfried

  Mary Mensana

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  Cedric the Entertainer

  Pastor Joel Jeffers

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  Victoria Hill

  Esther

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  Philip Ettinger

  Michael Mensana

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  Michael Gaston

  Edward Balq

Reviews

First Reformed has garnered critical acclaim from various media outlets. Rotten Tomatoes gave the film a 94% rating, with the consensus stating that 'First Reformed finds director Paul Schrader at his finest, bringing impressive depth and intelligence to a timely story that stands as a chilling reflection of modern life'. Metacritic also praised the movie with a score of 86/100, commending it for its thought-provoking narrative and Ethan Hawke's powerful performance. IMDb users rated First Reformed 7.1/10, with many highlighting the film's haunting atmosphere and profound philosophical questions. Variety called it 'a miracle of a movie', while The Guardian described it as 'a mesmerizing exploration of faith and environmentalism'. Overall, First Reformed has received acclaim for its compelling story and stellar performances.