Best work of shrader ever. Hawke hits it out of the park. Academy awards here I come.

Driven by a nuanced performance from Ethan Hawke, First Reformed is an ambitious, thought-provoking study on a bevy of different tough topics that serves as an impressive return to form for Paul Schrader.

As a film this is skillfully crafted. As a story, it's so dark that it will probably not become exceptionally popular, but it is very gripping and a sad statement about our government's lack of will against our horrible president's attitude about the environment.

Not too fond of the ending but I think a real ending would have ruined the movie for most.

This movie shows how our major decisions are not binary. Abortion, climate change and religion. Powerful message.

Contemplative, gripping drama. Ethan Hawke and Amanda Seyfried are both incredible. There's one scene that I personally thought was awful, and a few other missteps (including the ending) but overall it was very fascinating to watch.

First Reformed can hardly imagine a hopeful future for the world, [yet] the film is full of longing for redemption... Toller hopes that his journal is a kind of prayer. Perhaps Schrader hopes the same for his film.

An unforgettable powerhouse.

It's nice to know that, at 72, Paul Schrader can still surprise.

Every moment of First Reformed feels perfectly framed and precisely lit.

Ethan Hawke soars in writer/director Schrader's masterful (if very bleak) drama about trampled faith.

Ultimately its sheer archness reveals Paul Schrader as a gifted and deeply persuasive evangelist of the transcendental style - if not quite a canon saint.

"First Reformed" takes some wild, unexpected and uncomfortable turns in its final act that will surely shock some, anger others and disturb just about everyone. For Schrader, it shows that he's still got it. Welcome back.

It is a work that isn't' afraid to look at something most movies try their best to avoid: deep despair.

What sets First Reformed apart is Schrader's relentless reserve.