I like movies that take their time to build, but I'm not sure if this was that kind of movie. This one felt like it was building something and then suddenly turned into something else. Sadly, it's hard to really discuss the movie without giving away spoilers, and I HATE spoilers. So I'll just say that movie is a little weird and slow. It's got that indie movie feel, if you know what I mean, but not in the quirky way. More in the artsy way. It's also a bit heavy-handed when it comes to global warming, so if you want to avoid the soapbox, you might skip this. Regardless of my low rating of the movie, I'm glad I saw it. I wouldn't say I enjoyed it, but I'm glad I saw it.
First Reformed follows a priest having some issues in life. His tiny historical church is run less by him and more by the megachurch that pays the bills. They're coming up on their 250th anniversary celebration, but the pastor is conflicted by the actions of a parishioner - an activist against polluters. These struggles are the focus of the movie as the event gets closer and the pastor has more personal problems coming to light.
This is a plodding character study that is interesting to see, but the final act gets a little too artsy for my tastes. It takes a little too long to get where it's going and where you arrive has little background to it. In order to really delve into it, though, you'd have to have seen it. It's worthy of discussion, but I'm not sure if most people would enjoy watching it. It's definitely for a specific audience. I am impressed at the risks taken by the director, though. It's a pretty bold movie. And Hawke is amazing in it. I did have some issues with the Seyfried character, although I have some thoughts on that, too (but spoilers). If you see it, I'd love to know what you thought of it!