First Reformed

I’m extremely glad I watched First Reformed again because it’s definitely solidified as one of my 2018 favorites. The script weaves its themes of spirituality, despair, politics, and climate change all in one. Reverend Toller is such an amazing fleshed our character. His character is so well written that you the viewer knows what he’s thinking before he even puts the pen to his journal.  I watched it with a group of close friends this time, and we ended up having a discussion that lasted about the length of the entire film and still felt there was more to talk about it. Because all of it’s ideas are so wonderfully intertwined, you can’t talk about one point without getting into another. Also, the general feeling of despair is captured so well throughout the film that it’s almost damn near depressing to watch. Things that are manmade look like prisons or hospitals. The general whites and darkness or the outside. The wretched houses. All of the scenery and the color palette gives First Reformed an undeniable style.  I’m glad I can finally digest a lot of First Reformed more completely, I had known I had watched an incredible film the first time , but after watching it again I can really understand why.