First Reformed Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A sad priest with tummy troubles almost blows himself up, but then he doesn’t, maybe, and kisses Amanda Seyfried… it’s all very metaphorical, or something.

🍿 First Reformed: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Introduction to Reverend Toller

Reverend Ernst Toller is the pastor of First Reformed Church, a small, historical church in upstate New York with a dwindling congregation. He’s a former military chaplain haunted by the death of his son in the Iraq War, which led to the dissolution of his marriage. Toller keeps a journal, documenting his thoughts and struggles, revealing a man grappling with faith, despair, and a growing sense of disillusionment.

A Parishioner’s Plea and a Husband’s Despair

Mary Mensana, a pregnant parishioner, seeks Toller’s counsel regarding her husband, Michael, a radical environmentalist deeply troubled by the state of the planet. Michael believes bringing a child into a dying world is morally wrong, and advocates for Mary to have an abortion. Toller attempts to counsel Michael, delving into his environmental concerns and his despair over the future of humanity. He is visibly shaken by Michael’s convictions.

Tragedy Strikes and Toller’s Descent

Michael commits suicide, leaving behind a suicide vest. Toller discovers the vest and wrestles with what to do. He begins to research Michael’s environmental concerns and finds himself increasingly sympathetic to his views. He sees the upcoming 250th anniversary of First Reformed as an opportunity to make a statement about environmental responsibility. He is also dealing with a suspected illness himself adding to his overall turmoil.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Rev. Ernst Toller (Ethan Hawke): A troubled pastor grappling with a crisis of faith, personal loss, and the impending environmental doom.
• Mary Mensana (Amanda Seyfried): A pregnant parishioner seeking help for her radical environmentalist husband, who later forms a close bond with Toller.
• Michael Mensana (Philip Ettinger): A radical environmentalist consumed by despair, leading him to suicidal thoughts and actions.
• Rev. Joel Jeffers (Cedric The Entertainer): The pastor of Abundant Life, a megachurch that owns First Reformed, representing a more pragmatic and less radical approach to faith.
• Edward Balq (Michael Gaston): A wealthy industrialist and key financial backer of Abundant Life, whose polluting factory becomes a target of Toller’s moral outrage.

💬 Memorable 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.” – This quote encapsulates Toller’s struggle to find meaning in the face of overwhelming despair and his attempt to embrace faith as a source of strength.
• Reverend Ernst Toller: “Wisdom is holding two contradictory truths in our mind, simultaneously, Hope and despair. A life without despair is a life without hope.” – Toller reflects on the paradoxical nature of existence, suggesting that true understanding comes from embracing both the positive and negative aspects of life.
• Reverend Ernst Toller: “The world is in trouble. We are losing God’s creation.” – This quote highlights Toller’s growing environmental consciousness and his belief that humanity is failing in its responsibility to protect the planet.
• Michael Mensana: “Can you teach me how to have faith?” – Desperate and wanting guidance from Toller, a pastor of a small church in New York.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $3.5M
• Domestic Gross: $3.4M
• Worldwide Gross: $3.9M

💥 First Reformed Reviews

Personal Review

I was completely floored by ‘First Reformed.’ Ethan Hawke’s performance as Reverend Toller is haunting; you feel his despair and internal struggle every moment. The film’s ending left me speechless, questioning everything I thought I knew. The scene where Toller and Mary float through space was oddly beautiful amidst the darkness. It is a movie that will stay with you for days, making you ponder life, faith, and the future of our planet. I highly recommend it, but be prepared for a heavy and emotional ride.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of psychological dramas”
  • “Viewers interested in films that explore religious themes and existential questions”
  • “Those who appreciate character-driven stories with strong performances”
  • “Audiences interested in environmentally conscious narratives”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Suicide”
  • “Alcoholism”
  • “Depression”
  • “Disturbing themes related to environmental destruction”
  • “Some intense and unsettling scenes”

Professional Reviews

• The New York Times: “Paul Schrader delivers a masterpiece of existential dread, anchored by Ethan Hawke’s career-defining performance. ‘First Reformed’ is not just a film; it’s a spiritual and moral reckoning.
• Rolling Stone: “‘First Reformed’ is a slow-burn thriller that grapples with faith, environmentalism, and personal torment. Hawke’s portrayal is mesmerizing, creating a deeply unsettling and thought-provoking experience.
• Variety: “Schrader’s ‘First Reformed’ is a dark, gripping drama that challenges viewers with its intellectual and emotional depth. Ethan Hawke shines as a pastor facing a crisis of faith in a world on the brink.

Audience Reactions

Ethan Hawke’s performance was incredibly intense and believable.: Viewers universally praised Ethan Hawke’s powerful portrayal of a man grappling with faith and despair.

The film’s ending was shocking and left me pondering its meaning.: The ambiguous ending sparked intense debate and discussion among viewers, with many appreciating its boldness.

Overall Consensus: ‘First Reformed’ is a critically acclaimed psychological drama lauded for its thought-provoking themes, Ethan Hawke’s outstanding performance, and Paul Schrader’s masterful direction. However, its bleak tone and ambiguous ending may not appeal to all viewers.

Awards

1. Academy Award (Best Original Screenplay)- 2019
2. Independent Spirit Awards (Best Film)- 2018
3. Independent Spirit Awards (Best Director)- 2018
4. Independent Spirit Awards (Best Male Lead)- 2018

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The film’s 1.37:1 aspect ratio (also known as Academy ratio) was a deliberate choice by director Paul Schrader to create a sense of claustrophobia and confinement, reflecting the protagonist’s mental state.”
• “Paul Schrader has stated that the film is heavily influenced by Robert Bresson’s ‘Diary of a Country Priest’ and Ingmar Bergman’s ‘Winter Light’, both of which explore themes of faith, despair, and the struggles of clergymen.”
• “Amanda Seyfried was pregnant during the filming, which added another layer of emotional complexity to her performance as a woman dealing with existential anxieties about bringing a child into a world facing environmental collapse.”

🖥️ How to Watch First Reformed?

First Reformed is available to rent or purchase on various platforms including Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your local listings for cable on-demand options. Unfortunately, it is not currently streaming on major subscription services like Netflix or Hulu.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed First Reformed, you might like these similar films:

• Taxi Driver (1976): Shares themes of urban alienation, moral decay, and a protagonist grappling with inner turmoil and a sense of societal disillusionment, leading to thoughts of violence.
• Winter Light (1963): A Bergman film that directly parallels ‘First Reformed’ in its exploration of a pastor’s crisis of faith, his feelings of isolation, and his struggle to find meaning in a seemingly meaningless world.
• Diary of a Country Priest (1951): Another key influence, this Bresson film offers a similar portrait of a clergyman struggling with his faith, physical illness, and a sense of inadequacy in the face of the world’s problems.
• Leave No Trace (2018): Explores themes of societal disconnect and disillusionment with modern life, similar to ‘First Reformed,’ but from the perspective of a father and daughter living off-grid.

🛒 First Reformed Related Products

• Ethan Hawke: Rediscovering Passion: An in-depth exploration of Ethan Hawke’s career, featuring interviews and behind-the-scenes footage. Discover the actor’s passion and commitment to his craft, especially his iconic portrayal in ‘First Reformed’.
• First Reformed (Original Screenplay): Paul Schrader’s brilliant original screenplay of ‘First Reformed’. Delve into the mind of the writer and explore the intricate details and themes of the movie. Includes director’s notes and deleted scenes.
• First Reformed: Collector’s Edition Blu-ray: Limited Edition Blu-ray of ‘First Reformed’ featuring exclusive behind-the-scenes content, interviews with the cast and director, and a commemorative booklet. Comes in premium packaging.
• Inspirations of First Reformed: A Deep Dive into the Films and Writings that Inspired Paul Schrader: Explore the rich tapestry of artistic inspirations behind “First Reformed” with an exclusive digital compilation. Discover the films of Ingmar Bergman, Robert Bresson, and the writings of Thomas Merton that shaped the movie’s existential themes and visual style. This collection offers a unique lens through which to deepen your appreciation for “First Reformed” and its place in cinematic history.

🎧 Soundtrack

First Reformed features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Are You Washed in the Blood” – performed by Julia Murney, Ronald Peet, Elanna White, Jake Alden-Falconer, Eric Lockley, Krystina Alabado

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Ethan Hawke Knows To Seek Knowledge From Masters

Ever wonder how Ethan Hawke prepares for such intense roles? Check out this clip where he chats with Stephen Colbert about ‘First Reformed’ – his dedication to the craft is seriously inspiring!

First Reformed – Let Me Explain

That ending though, right? 🤔 This video breaks down the possible meanings of the ‘First Reformed’ finale. Whether you loved it or hated it, this explanation gives you some food for thought!

Paul Schrader Shares Connection Between ‘Taxi Driver’ & ‘First Reformed’ | Close Up

Did you know the same guy who wrote ‘Taxi Driver’ also wrote/directed ‘First Reformed’? Paul Schrader himself reveals the surprising link between these two films. Movie buffs, this one’s for you!

Quickie: First Reformed

Want a quick take on “First Reformed”? YMS breaks down what makes this film both compelling and thought-provoking in just 5 minutes! Def recommend checking his opinion before diving into all the in-depth stuff.

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