As anticipation builds for the 98th Academy Awards later this month, Ethan Hawke’s recognition remains a topic of interest, especially amidst discussions of the Ethan Hawke Oscar Snub. While Timothée Chalamet, Michael B. Jordan, and Leonardo DiCaprio lead the nominations, Hawke’s remarkable fifth nod for his lead role in Richard Linklater‘s Blue Moon stands out. Yet many believe he deserved a sixth nomination for his performance in another critically acclaimed film, First Reformed.
First Reformed, directed by Paul Schrader, earned widespread critical praise when it premiered. The film’s psychological depth combined with Hawke’s powerful portrayal of a pastor struggling with personal and spiritual turmoil secured it a 94% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. The review aggregator’s consensus highlights the film’s sensitive handling of complex themes and Hawke’s exceptional acting, stating,
“Brought to life by delicate work from writer-director Paul Schrader and elevated by a standout performance by Ethan Hawke, First Reformed takes a sensitive and suspenseful look at weighty themes.”
For those eager to experience the film ahead of awards night, First Reformed is now available to watch for free on Plex. It joins a strong slate of notable titles released this month on the platform, including Alex Garland’s sci-fi thriller Ex Machina, the horror film It Follows, the classic Once Upon a Time in America, the folk horror Midsommar, and the innovative Sorry to Bother You.
Limited Theatrical Run Affects Financial Results
Despite the praise, First Reformed did not achieve major box office success, earning just $3.9 million against a modest $3.5 million budget. This outcome reflects its limited release, which never expanded beyond 334 theaters nationwide. However, the film’s per-theater average was strong, reaching nearly $25,000 during its peak run. This performance indicates the film’s appeal within specific audiences, despite broader commercial constraints.
The story centers on a small church pastor in upstate New York, whose life unravels following a profound encounter with a troubled environmental activist and his pregnant wife. As tensions rise, the film delves into themes of faith, despair, and activism, creating a deeply moving narrative. A plot summary captures this succinctly:
“The pastor of a small church in upstate New York spirals out of control after a soul-shaking encounter with an unstable environmental activist and his pregnant wife.”
Meet the Principal Cast of First Reformed
Ethan Hawke leads the film as the conflicted pastor, delivering a performance many consider to be among his best. Supporting roles include Amanda Seyfried, who plays the pregnant wife, while Cedric the Entertainer and Victoria Hill round out the key cast. Their collective work helps bring the film’s challenging themes to life.
With First Reformed accessible for free streaming this March on Plex, viewers have an opportunity to revisit or discover Ethan Hawke’s overlooked masterpiece. As awards season progresses, this film’s enduring critical acclaim reminds audiences and critics alike of Hawke’s talent and the power of thoughtful storytelling.
