First Reformed

First Reformed is a powerful and thought-provoking psychological drama from 2017, directed by Paul Schrader, known for his contribution to cinema as the writer of classic films such as Taxi Driver. The compelling storyline coupled with standout performances by Ethan Hawke, Amanda Seyfried, and Cedric the Entertainer, make this film an engrossing exploration of faith, despair, and environmental activism. The film has been critically acclaimed for its intense script, engrossing characters, and sensitive portrayal of contentious moral issues.

Ethan Hawke stars as Reverend Ernst Toller, a former military chaplain, who is now a pastor at a small, historically rich upstate New York church called First Reformed. First Reformed is a modest countryside chapel with a dwindling number of congregants, standing in the shadow of a larger, more popular megachurch nearby, Abundant Life, overseen by pastor Joel Jeffers, played by Cedric the Entertainer.

Following a personal tragedy, Toller's life is filled with uncontrollable guilt which has led him to a path of deep isolation, leaving him emotionally brittle and physically frail. His internal turmoil is not just a crisis of faith, but a crisis of the soul. Hawke’s extraordinary performance depicts Toller as a man grappling with despair, making the role one of his career-best performances.

Amanda Seyfried portrays Mary, a pregnant parishioner who seeks Toller's guidance. Mary's husband, Michael, is a radical environmentalist, profoundly disturbed by the state of the planet and the prospect of bringing a child into a world where the future seems irreparably damaged. The plight of the world's diminishing environment becomes a pivotal part of the narrative, linking it to deeper spiritual questions. The interactions between Toller and this couple catapult him further into his spiritual crisis, leading him to question not only his faith but the institutions that guide it.

Cedric the Entertainer, in a deviation from his usual comedic roles, plays a crucial part as Reverend Joel Jeffers, demonstrating his versatility as an actor. Jeffers contrasts Toller as a practical and modern church leader, someone who has adapted to the changing world by aligning the church with big businesses – an idea that Toller grapples with.

Paul Schrader frames the film in an austere, quiet manner, highlighting the internal spiritual struggle of its protagonist. The storyline is intense, yet the direction is restrained, leading to a film experience that is not only visually precise but also emotionally resonant. The proceedings are melancholic imparting a sense of dread and foreboding that successfully mirror Toller’s complex state of mind.

The environment, faith, guilt, activism, and corporate corruption all come under the lens in this compelling drama. The storyline is less about offering solutions and more about provoking essential questions. Viewers are expected to internalize the on-screen conflicts, thereby transcending beyond the confines of a traditional cinematic narrative.

First Reformed weaves together a dark narrative with multiple moral, social, and ecological discourses capturing both personal angst and the collective anxiety of the current age. It becomes a mirror reflecting the tribulations of a rapidly changing world and the question of faith within that world. It depicts the struggle of an individual standing at the crossroads of personal morality and institutional dogma.

Furthermore, the cinematography of the film is worth noting. It captures the desolation of the characters, the austerity of the church, and the bleakness of a world standing on the brink of self-destruction. Minimalistic in its approach and restrained in the exposition, the visuals enhance the overall impact of the narrative.

In essence, First Reformed is an intense, thought-evoking film that allows the audience to ponder upon the compelling issues portrayed. With powerful performances and a rich screenplay, it stands as a distinctive film scrutinizing the realms of faith, despair, and hope in the face of socio-environmental challenges.

Ethan Hawke's performance is exceptionally compelling, unfurling a complex yet endearing character in Toller. It is not only a must-watch for the lovers of intense drama but also for those seeking to stimulate an inner dialogue about the world and one's role within it.