First Reformed

FIRST REFORMED is a drama thriller movie that stars Ethan Hawke as Reverend Ernst Toller. Rev. Toller is depressed. His church membership and attendance are low, he loses his son who served in the armed forces, his health is bad, etc. But it is not completely clear any of these are reasons for his depression. The journal he writes indicates something is not right with him. And after counseling a parishioner's (Mary, played by Amanda Seyfried) activist husband (Philip Ettinger), he slowly unravels.

Pastor Jeffers' (Cedric Kyles) community, Abundant Life Church, partners with Rev. Toller's First Reformed Church. For example, Abundant Life Church hires a technician to fix the organ at First Reformed Church and they organize a service for First Reformed Church together. Pastor Jeffers does not initially realize Rev. Toller is depressed, but eventually discovers his odd behavior.

Rev. Toller is a friend to Mary, and able to be present when she calls on him. In their scenes, Rev. Toller appears stable. Ethan Hawke's performance is flawless and Amanda Seyfried is equally engaging. The Abundant Life Church choir is also very good. However, the movie's ending is ambiguous.

FIRST REFORMED is currently playing in theatres. The official Web site is https://a24films.com/films/first-reformed.

Maudie

Sally Hawkins gives an outstanding performance as Maud in the movie MAUDIE. From the beginning of the film, the audience knows to root for her. The character is a well written multi-dimensional one adapted by screenwriter Sherry White.

MAUDIE is based on the real life story of Nova Scotia artist Maud Lewis. Maud lives with her aunt Ida, played by Gabrielle Rose. Her brother Charles, played by Zachary Bennett, sells their mother's house without telling her. After feeling disrespected, Maud cleverly goes after the job of a housemaid for a local fish peddler named Everett Lewis, played by Ethan Hawke.  Hawke's performance is captivating, as the role is much different than others he has played.

Maud and Everett's relationship starts out rocky, moves along, and then enters an arena neither one of them expects. Other than coming into contact with a few townspeople, they only communicate with each other; therefore, their romance is inevitable. In addition, he sells fish and she sells her paintings--the first customer is Sandra, played exceptionally well by Kari Matchett--acquiring international acclaim. Furthermore, there is a storyline involving Maud's child and Sandra becomes an honest confidant.

MAUDIE is a delightful film directed by Aisling Walsh and currently playing in theatres. The official Web site is http://sonyclassics.com/maudie/.