First Reformed

Ever since first viewing this last April many of the scenes, messages and especially the dialogue has been completely imprinted on my mind. Incredibly reserved filmmaking that highlights the performances from everyone, especially Ethan Hawke. How Schrader was able to pull this rebound out of no where will never not be baffling to me. A level of coherent crisis has rarely been so clearly articulated and in such a static form, you are really glued to the events that unfold. The ending is just Pickpocket reshaped to what I think is the perfect dichotomy of hope and despair, which was consistently relayed through the entire runtime. From here on out February is my First Reformed month because: *“a life without despair is a life without hope” * Feb 10th-National Crank Day (Hope) Feb 19th-First Reformed Day (Despair) Paul Schrader Ranked