On First Reformed

One of the finest screenwriters working, Paul Schrader returns to writing and directing with another detailed study of a broken man. Here the man is a priest struggling a crisis of faith that manifests itself as a sexual attraction and a growing anger at climate change. Ethan Hawke is outstanding as the quiet, troubled priest and his growing frustration is captured precisely by Schrader’s steady direction and quiet, rural locations. First Reformed is masterful and relevant, both in its study of a collapsing religious faith and the dangers of climate change. The performances are quiet but powerful. It is one of the year’s finest.