A reserved Dutch Reformed pastor, Reverend Ernst Toller, experiences a profound crisis of faith when a young parishioner and her family confide in him. Struggling with his own painful past and the looming threat of environmental disaster, he grapples with increasingly troubling questions about his faith and purpose. As he investigates the family's concerns, the reverend's internal turmoil intensifies, leading him down a path of moral questioning and a shocking confrontation.
Does First Reformed have end credit scenes?
No!
First Reformed does not have end credit scenes. You can leave when the credits roll.
Explore the complete cast of First Reformed, including both lead and supporting actors. Learn who plays each character, discover their past roles and achievements, and find out what makes this ensemble cast stand out in the world of film and television.
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In its overall execution, First Reformed exhibits a compelling blend of austere visual form and profound thematic inquiry. Reviews highlight the film’s meticulous framing and deliberate pacing as central to its atmospheric immersion. Ethan Hawke’s measured portrayal anchors the narrative’s existential weight, while the story’s meditative flow provokes sustained intellectual engagement. Despite occasional impressions of slow momentum, the film’s cohesion and emotional intensity deliver a resonant and impactful cinema experience.
The Movie Echo Score Breakdown for First Reformed
Art & Craft
In terms of art and craft, First Reformed’s direction and cinematography emphasize an understated visual precision. Critics note the film’s spare production design, frequent fixed-frame compositions, and minimalist editing that sustain a contemplative atmosphere. The deliberate framing choices and restrained visual palette consistently support the narrative’s austerity and underscore the film’s poetic resonance.
Character & Emotion
When it comes to character and emotion, Ethan Hawke’s performance is consistently praised for its nuance and emotional restraint. Reviews highlight his portrayal of Rev. Toller’s internal turmoil and his chemistry with Amanda Seyfried’s Mary. The film’s emphasis on quiet intensity and psychological depth fosters a compelling exploration of faith and human vulnerability.
Story & Flow
In terms of story and flow, First Reformed presents a thought-provoking meditation on faith with an original and measured pace. The narrative’s coherence and philosophical focus are generally lauded, though some viewers perceive the conclusion as abrupt or lacking resolution. Overall, the film’s contemplative structure and thematic ambition sustain engagement despite its deliberate tempo.
Sensory Experience
When evaluating the sensory experience, the film’s use of sound design and musical restraint aligns with its ascetic aesthetic. Observers note the subtle ambient score, precise sound mixing, and cohesive visual style that employ muted tones and controlled lighting. These elements combine to create a haunting and immersive atmosphere that reinforces the story’s contemplative themes.
Rewatch Factor
Regarding rewatch value, First Reformed provokes ongoing reflection through its thematic depth and moral inquiry. Many respondents report lasting emotional and intellectual impact that invites further viewings. However, the film’s slow-burn pacing and stark conclusions may deter some viewers. On balance, its sustained interrogations of existential questions offer significant reward on subsequent watches.
86
Metascore
7.5
User Score
94%
TOMATOMETER
69%
User Score
7.1 /10
IMDb Rating
70
%
User Score
4.0
From 3.6K fan ratings
2.60/5
From 10 fan ratings
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Who is the main character and pastor in 'First Reformed'?
Discover all the awards and nominations received by First Reformed, from Oscars to film festival honors. Learn how First Reformed and its cast and crew have been recognized by critics and the industry alike.
Best Feature
Best Screenplay
Read the complete plot summary of First Reformed, including all major events, twists, and the full ending explained in detail. Explore key characters, themes, hidden meanings, and everything you need to understand the story from beginning to end.
Ernst Toller, portrayed by an unnamed actor, is the pastor of the historic First Reformed Church in Snowbridge, New York, grappling with a profound crisis of faith. The narrative begins with Toller documenting his thoughts in a journal, a project he intends to destroy after a year of reflection. This church, originally a pivotal stop on the Underground Railroad, now finds itself struggling with dwindling attendance under Toller’s guidance, having veered away from its roots in Calvinist theology to become primarily a tourist destination.
Haunted by the loss of his son, Joseph, who was a casualty of the Iraq War, Toller also battles his own alcoholism. His journey toward deeper spiritual comprehension leads him to explore the writings of Roman Catholic authors like G. K. Chesterton and Thomas Merton, alongside mystical texts such as The Cloud of Unknowing. In search of solace, he reaches out to Abundant Life, a prominent evangelical megachurch in Albany that oversees First Reformed.
His life takes a pivotal turn when he is approached by Mary Mensana, who seeks guidance for her husband, Michael, a fervent environmentalist. Michael’s radical views put Toller in a moral quandary as he reveals his desire for Mary to have an abortion, expressing his belief that bringing a child into a world devastated by climate change is cruel. When Mary finds a suicide vest belonging to Michael, Toller takes it, vowing to counsel him. Despite contemplating alerting the authorities, Toller hesitates, fearing it might exacerbate Michael’s fragile mental state.
Tragically, before their next session, Toller discovers Michael has taken his own life with a shotgun. In line with Michael’s last wishes, a memorial service is held at a local toxic-waste site, where his ashes are scattered. Meanwhile, preparations for First Reformed’s 250th anniversary service—a significant event featuring local dignitaries and Edward Balq, a financial supporter of the church with a stake in climate pollution—are underway. Toller and Balq clash over their differing stances on climate change, Toller advocating for Christian stewardship while Balq dismisses it as overly complex.
In the midst of personal turmoil, Toller seeks medical attention due to recurring physical pain, and tests hint at possible stomach cancer. He discovers Michael’s laptop, which he took to protect Mary from the consequences of Michael’s radical beliefs, and dives into research concerning Michael’s fears about Balq’s factory. One evening, Mary visits Toller in the church’s parsonage, where they share a moment of intimate connection reminiscent of Michael and Mary’s past.
As the anniversary service approaches, Toller implores Mary not to attend. In a drastic turn of events, he dons the explosive vest meant for Michael during the ceremony but ultimately substitutes it for barbed wire in a symbolic act of self-sacrifice. Just as he prepares to consume a glass of drain cleaner, a pivotal moment occurs—Mary interrupts him, and their passionate embrace leads to an abrupt and haunting conclusion as the screen fades to black.
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