Note: This review will be expanded upon the film's Seattle theatrical release.

Ethan Hawke gives a career-defining performance in Paul Schrader's cathartic and mesmerizing First Reformed, a conflicted and challenging piece analyzing faith and devout belief in a world where our actions seem to be increasingly in conflict with the word of God.

First Reformed drew gasps from the audience I saw it with more than once, and left people wondering aloud just what the film is ultimately reaching for in an off-the-rails final 10-15 minutes. I will say more once the film expands into more cities, but for now, this is a movie I cannot stop thinking about, in ways both good and bad.

Starring: Ethan Hawke, Amanda Seyfried, Cedric Kyles, Victoria Hill, Philip Ettinger, Michael Gaston.
Director: Paul Schrader
Written by: Paul Schrader
Running Time: 108 Minutes

SIFF SHOWTIMES:
May 18 | SIFF Cinema Uptown | 4:00 PM
May 22| SIFF Cinema Uptown | 7:00 PM