First Reformed

First Reformed
Theatrical release poster
Directed byPaul Schrader
Written byPaul Schrader
Produced by
Starring
CinematographyAlexander Dynan
Edited byBenjamin Rodriguez Jr.
Music byLustmord
Production
companies
  • Killer Films
  • Omeira Studio Partners
  • Fibonacci Films
  • Arclight Films International
  • Big Indie Pictures
Distributed byA24
Release dates
  • August 31, 2017 (2017-08-31) (Venice)
  • May 18, 2018 (2018-05-18) (United States)
Running time
113 minutes
CountryUnited States
LanguageEnglish
Budget$3.5 million[1]
Box office$4 million[2]

First Reformed is a 2017 American psychological thriller film written and directed by Paul Schrader. It stars Ethan Hawke as a minister of a small congregation in upstate New York who grapples with mounting despair brought on by tragedy, worldly concerns, and a tormented past. Amanda Seyfried, Cedric Kyles, Victoria Hill, and Philip Ettinger appear in supporting roles.

The film had its world premiere at the 74th Venice International Film Festival on August 31, 2017, and was theatrically released in the United States on May 18, 2018, by A24. It grossed $4 million worldwide and received positive reviews from critics, who mostly praised Hawke's performance and Schrader's direction and writing. Both the National Board of Review and the American Film Institute selected First Reformed as one of the top ten films of 2018, and Schrader was nominated for Best Original Screenplay at the 91st Academy Awards for his work on the film. At the 24th Critics' Choice Awards, Hawke was nominated for Best Actor and Schrader won Best Original Screenplay, and, at the 34th Independent Spirit Awards, the film garnered nominations for Best Feature, Best Director, and Best Screenplay, while Hawke won Best Male Lead.

  1. ^ Johnson, Ted (May 19, 2018). "PopPolitics: Paul Schrader on How 'First Reformed' Reflects His Own Despair Over Climate Crisis". Variety. Archived from the original on July 15, 2023. Retrieved January 12, 2024.
  2. ^ "First Reformed". The Numbers. Nash Information Services, LLC. Archived from the original on December 3, 2022. Retrieved January 12, 2024.