First Reformed (dir. Paul Schrader)

Writer/director Paul Schrader returns to fine form here with his most divisive film of recent memory in this staggeringly atmospheric character piece "First Reformed" which explores the mindset behind a universally liked priest suffering with a identity crisis.

Schrader made his name with his script for "Taxi Driver", which examined the auspices of "god's lonely man", with an emphasis on the benevolence of Travis Bickle's misguided journey of self-discovery. In this Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) favorite, Schrader moves on from the recent bargain-big bilge of "Dog Eat Dog" and "The Canyons" (which have plagued the later portion of his career) with a worthy character study which asks questions on the role of religion and the basis of fundamental radicalism.

Ethan Hawke has never been better, and is a terrific choice for the lead role, in what must have been a difficult role to explain. Hawke plays Reverend Toller, the head priest of the small eponymous Christian church in upstate New York. He's a former military man, who joined the cloth after the death of his son in Iraq, which he blames himself for. Though Toller is clearly relaxed with his faith, his role at the church has disintegrated into daily tours of passing tourists, and far from the spiritual quest he once hoped for. Toller is in need of a higher cause, so when local pregnant woman Mary (Amanda Seyfried) -who is worried about her husband Michael's (Phillip Ettinger) erratic behavior since the news of her impending birth- asks him for help, he is given the chance of using his relationship with the Lord to help members of his community.

But things aren't as simple as this, as Michael was recently incarcerated in a prison in Canada for protesting different environmental transgressions, and his doomed activism career has left him with a depressive and meaningless attitude towards life. Soon things escalate into personal tragedy, and Reverend Toller finds himself experiencing a personal crisis, especially as he soon becomes aware of several mishaps within his close-knit surroundings. Through the use of voice-over, Schrader presents us with a lead character who is inherently flawed and in-search of his own contribution to the world. The fact that Ethan Hawke's character happens to be a clergy man merely heightens the portent of this recurring theme, as Schrader has always introduced the notion on the dangers of men who make decisions during long periods of loneliness.

Toller spends his evenings alone, often with a bottle of whiskey, whilst he scribbles away at his diary. Struck down with a cancer diagnosis, Toller presents himself to his adoring community as the life-affirming zealot who is approachable and easy to talk to, yet behind the walls something much more menacing is brewing. Even though supporting performances from a potential romance with neighborly choir teacher, Esther (Victoria Hill) attempts to suggest something close to a romantic entanglement, Toller is too preoccupied with wallowing in his guilt and reminiscing over past mistakes to see this materialize.

"First Reformed" builds to a traumatic final twenty minutes, which are by no means easy to alleviate. Though are somewhat frustratingly slow-pacing affair during some moments, Toller's paralyzed maturity cause him to make unforgivable decisions and soon the drama descends into wanton delirium. Credit then to Schrader, who frames the ensuing drama to a 4:3 ratio as to heighten the realism, for managing to create an knife-cutting atmosphere within the mileu - and one that manifests itself in to a thumping crescendo. Controversial themes surrounding corporate pollution, the role of radicalism and even religion in general are all examined with equal nuance and never test parodical waters, and speak of a director who is in his element when wrestling with his favourite themes.

On a performance level, the whole cast are exemplary (including a fleeting role for Cedric The Entertainer as the perennially worry-some head of a partnering Church), with Hawke and Seyfried bouncing off effortlessly. Schrader's latest is bound to get people talking and isn't for everyone, but there's a fascinating message here on a man who misunderstands his cause. It's provocative, inherently thoughtful and as ambitious as it uncompromising, and well worth your time.

Rating 4/5.