First Reformed

A scrupulous homage to both Dreyer and Bresson, Taxi Driver (1976) creator Paul Schrader’s masterwork explores the growing silences that destroy a minister amidst personal conflicts, changing church politics and a global environmental apocalypse. Anchored by Ethan Hawke’s incredible performance as the minister of a small historic church now overshadowed by megareligion, it links the intimacies of family and mentorship to a darkness of doubt and destruction with crucial supporting roles by Amanda Seyfried and Cedric the Entertainer. A powerfully religious movie imbued with faith, struggle and meaning, if not with inspiration or salvation.