A more subtle version of Mother!. I don't like saying that because I don't wanna compare these movies, but that's how I felt watching this. First Reformed is bleak, ominous and gives you just enough to be worried and interested. At it's core it's a character study. Much similar to Taxi Driver. It does a great deconstruction of a man who fears he's losing hope in the world and it's slow pace gives you enough time to understand the main character and enter his world. At times it can feel rather tedious, but the characters are fantastic and Ethan Hawke is just amazing in this role, making every scene worth paying attention. And just when you think nothing mind boggling can happen, that ending hits you.