First Reformed

Movie review by Michael Ordona, Common Sense Media
First Reformed Poster Image

Common Sense says

age 15+

Disturbing images in intense, mature character study.

R 2018 108 minutes
Rate movie

Parents say

age 15+

Based on 5 reviews

Kids say

age 13+

Based on 4 reviews

Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.
Rate movie

Did we miss something on diversity?

Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.

A Lot or a Little?

The parents' guide to what's in this movie.

What Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that although First Reformed doesn't have any nudity, excessive violence, or strong language, its themes and approach are definitely mature. It deals with suicide, depression, likely PTSD, repressed sexuality, and radicalization. And its measured pace is likely too slow for younger viewers. Ethan Hawke stars as a troubled priest who's involved in the lives of a young couple (Amanda Seyfried, Philip Ettinger); the film follows his rapid decline. The film presents interesting theological arguments involving day-to-day issues in a serious, adult way. Although it may not appeal to teens, it should be OK for older teens, depending on their sensitivity to some of the subjects listed here.

Community Reviews

TheNinthReviewer
TheNinthReviewer Adult
May 6, 2020
age 15+

Sobering, Deep, and Not for Young Audience Members

First Reformed is, in my opinion, one of the most well made and thought provoking films in recent years. Every single scene feels unique and carefully put together, and co-stars Ethan Hawke and Amanda Seyfried did spectacularly. Like most A24 films, however, it carries a dark feel and atmospheric tone (not always a bad thing). Though the violence is rare, it includes a graphic aftermath of a man who blew his brains out with a gun, a poor quality video of a man blowing himself up with a bomb, and a minister wrapping barbed wire around his shirtless torso as an act of penance. Language is extremely mild, with only around 2 uses of s**t, 2 d**n, and one Son of a b***h. Very infrequent for an R rated movie, much less an A24 production. As previously mentioned, the film has a very dark atmospheric and gloomy tone throughout. Musician Lustmord (who is credited with creating the Dark Ambience genre) contributes to that with his literal chilling score.
Moneydog23
Moneydog23 Adult
January 18, 2020
age 15+

This title has:

Too much violence
See all 5 parent reviews

What's the Story?

FIRST REFORMED follows a troubled priest named Father Toller (Ethan Hawke) as he tries to help young couple Mary (Amanda Seyfried) and Michael (Philip Ettinger) and is drawn into a tragic series of events. Perhaps because of his own past trauma and growing alcoholism, Toller may be susceptible to certain dark turns. His caring boss (Cedric the Entertainer) and loving colleague (Victoria Hill) try to help before something bad happens.

Is It Any Good?

This might sound convenient because writer-director Paul Schrader also wrote Taxi Driver, but this drama could be viewed as a companion piece to that classic. Set in the priesthood, First Reformed follows a PTSD sufferer down a dark road searching for a guiding light. Hawke's placid surface and intellectual rigor as Father Toller belie the roiling beneath. He hasn't overcome his past guilt, and when the opportunity to participate fully in something larger than himself presents itself, you have to imagine that the urge isn't dissimilar to what led him to the clergy in the first place. Schrader takes a slow, calm, direct, almost Kubrickian path here: long, static takes; minimal score; few moments of over-the-top emotion. What emerges is a portrait -- almost a still-life -- of radicalization.

The acting is solid all around. Ettinger shines as a passionate young husband. Hill is sympathetic as the choir director who loves Father Toller. As the leader of the church/corporation that employs Toller, Cedric the Entertainer balances priorities of compassion and the bottom line. Schrader allows only one clear villain (a heartless CEO), and his dramatic purpose is clear: to muddy the waters for viewers' rooting interests. First Reformed is carefully considered and cleanly executed. Its final scene makes an interesting argument for what might cure the sickness that seems to infect so many with violent thoughts.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about how the clergy are typically portrayed in movies and on TV. How does First Reformed compare? Does it present them as multidimensional human beings or give you insight into why they chose their profession? Do you believe the characters' concerns?

  • Were you surprised by the path Toller took after the young man's death? Why do you think he became interested in those actions?

  • How does the film address and portray suicide? What's the best way to approach difficult topics like this with kids?

  • What do you think the movie's ending means? Has tragedy been averted or merely delayed?

Movie Details

Our Editors Recommend

  • Taxi Driver Poster Image

    Taxi Driver

    '70s classic is extremely violent; lots of sex, language.

    age 17+
  • Doubt Poster Image

    Doubt

    Brooding, play-based drama isn't for kids.

    age 17+
  • Novitiate Poster Image

    Novitiate

    Intense nuns-in-training drama has language, sensuality.

    age 16+

Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.

See how we rate