First Reformed (2017)

Director: Paul Schrader
Stars: Amanda Seyfried, Ethan Hawke, Cedric the Entertainer
Runtime: 113 minutes

Synopsis: The story of a reverend struck by despair following the loss of a beloved one.

Performances: 8/10
Screenplay: 6/10
Special Effects: N.A.
Costumes/Makeup: 7/10
Editing: 5/10
Cinematography: 8/10 
Score/Soundtrack: 3/10

Verdict: I watched "First Reformed" for two main reasons. The first one being that it was distributed by A24, a studio that has proved time and time again that the quality of their projects is great. The second reason why I watched the movie is its director. Paul Schrader is more known for his writing skills and associations with Martin Scorsese (he wrote the screenplays for "Taxi Driver", "Raging Bull", or "The Last Temptation of Christ"), and has directed quite a bit of well-received projects in the past. While "First Reformed" is definitely not his best work both as a writer and a director, it's still a very interesting film topped with great performances by Ethan Hawke and especially Amanda Seyfried. The first 10 to 15 minutes of the film led me to believe that it was going to take a really interesting direction with a focus on a conversation between two characters with opposing viewpoints on very real and important topics. And I was let down to discover that the direction the movie took, while relevant to this discussion, was not what I was expecting it to be. The film also had some pacing and soundtrack issues that were kind of annoying. However, I have to praise its cinematography, which for me was, with the performances, the movie's forte. Even though I was a little bit disappointed by "First Reformed", I'd still suggest it to anyone who finds Paul Schrader's work to be intriguing.

Final Grade: 6/10

To see how "First Reformed" compares to other films released in 2017, click here.