First Reformed

Dipping into hyperbole but I really think there are some of the greatest performances of all time here because they aren’t really “acting” much if at all— at least it doesn’t feel that way for a second. Praises have been sung at nauseam about Hawke and for good reason but I’m specifically drawn to Philip Ettinger’s character and performance. Michael is too real. He could be your neighbour and that’s why it hurts so so bad.  I caught a 30th anniversary screening of Se7en recently and in the film John Doe says “Wanting people to listen, you can’t just tap them on the shoulder anymore. You have to hit them with a sledgehammer, then you’ll notice you have their strict attention”, and Paul Schrader here is doing exactly NOT that. The two films share something,  not in the formal execution, genre and style and certainly not in the level of restraint which Se7en (and John Doe) frankly are not concerned with but questions of morality, redemption, hope and despair. I use the quote because I think it’s interesting the way that every aspect of First Reformed is so reserved and quietly taps you on the shoulder even when Reverend Toller is about to do something extreme. Would make an interesting double bill.