First Reformed 2018
"The kingdom come undone."
First Reformed (2018), directed by Paul Schrader, plunges viewers into a haunting character study of Reverend Toller, a weary pastor struggling to keep his historic church afloat in the quiet corners of upstate New York.
Director: Paul Schrader
Cast
Ethan Hawke
Pastor Ernst Toller
Amanda Seyfried
Mary Mensana
Cedric the Entertainer
Pastor Joel Jeffers
Victoria Hill
Esther
Philip Ettinger
Michael Mensana
Michael Gaston
Edward Balq
Bill Hoag
John Elder
Kristin Villanueva
Nurse Cindy
Ingrid Kullberg-Bendz
Middle-Aged Tourist
Ken Forman
Middle-Aged Tourist
Frequently Asked Questions
What is First Reformed (2018) about?
First Reformed follows Pastor Toller, whose spiritual crisis deepens after meeting an eco-activist and his pregnant wife, pushing him into a spiral of doubt and guilt. The film explores themes of environmental despair, religious conviction, and the crisis of modern masculinity through a dark, introspective lens.
Who directed First Reformed?
Paul Schrader, the acclaimed writer-director behind Taxi Driver and Raging Bull, crafts this intense drama with his signature blend of existential tension and social critique.
Who stars in First Reformed?
The film features Ethan Hawke as the troubled Reverend Toller, Amanda Seyfried as Mary, the activist's wife, and Cedric the Entertainer in a supporting role alongside Victoria Hill and Philip Ettinger.
Is First Reformed (2018) worth watching?
While bleak and challenging, First Reformed is a gripping psychological drama with stellar performances, particularly Hawke's, and a thought-provoking narrative that resonates with today's climate anxieties. Fans of slow-burn character studies will find it deeply rewarding, despite its heavy themes.
How long is First Reformed?
First Reformed runs for 113 minutes, offering a concentrated dose of atmospheric storytelling and introspective drama.
🎥 Trailer
First Reformed (2018): A Bleak Masterpiece of Faith and Despair — Full Movie Info
First Reformed (2018), directed by Paul Schrader, plunges viewers into a haunting character study of Reverend Toller, a weary pastor struggling to keep his historic church afloat in the quiet corners of upstate New York. His fragile equilibrium shatters when he meets Michael, a desperate environmental activist, and his pregnant wife, Mary, igniting a profound crisis of faith and purpose. As Toller's personal demons resurface and his convictions clash with the harsh realities of modern despair, the film evolves into a gripping meditation on religion, climate anxiety, and the search for meaning in an uncertain world.
With Ethan Hawke delivering a powerhouse performance as the tormented clergyman and Amanda Seyfried as the gentle yet resilient Mary, Schrader crafts an atmosphere thick with existential dread and moral urgency. Shot in stark, contemplative visuals, First Reformed (2018) blends psychological depth with urgent social commentary, leaving audiences to grapple with its bleak beauty and thought-provoking themes long after the credits roll.
