As the 98th Academy Awards approach this month, actor Ethan Hawke is in the spotlight once again, earning his fifth Oscar nomination for his lead role in Richard Linklater’s Blue Moon. Despite stiff competition from favorites like Timothée Chalamet for Marty Supreme and Michael B. Jordan for Sinners, Hawke’s acclaimed performance highlights his continued presence in Hollywood’s most prestigious circles, emphasizing the anticipation surrounding his potential win.
Though Hawke has secured five nominations already, many believe he deserved an additional nod for his remarkable work in the 2018 psychological thriller First Reformed. This film, directed by Paul Schrader and produced by A24, received widespread critical praise upon release. On review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes, First Reformed holds an impressive 94% critics’ score, reflecting its strong positive reception. The site summarizes the film as follows:
“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.”
— Review Aggregator
To support renewed interest in Hawke’s career and his Oscar bid, First Reformed is currently available to stream free on Plex. The platform has added several other critically lauded titles this month, including Alex Garland’s sci-fi thriller Ex Machina, the horror film It Follows, the epic Once Upon a Time in America, and the unsettling horror Midsommar, among others.
Limited Box Office Success Despite Critical Acclaim
Though First Reformed was praised by critics, its financial performance at the box office was modest. Made on a budget of just $3.5 million, it earned $3.9 million overall. The film’s earnings reflect its limited release, as it never screened in more than 334 theaters nationwide. However, when examined closely, First Reformed delivered a strong per-theater average, nearing $25,000 at its peak. This success at an individual theater level shows a dedicated audience even within a small distribution footprint.
The story centers on a pastor in upstate New York whose life unravels following a profound confrontation with an unstable environmental activist and his pregnant wife. The film captures intense emotional and ethical struggles inspired by this encounter:
“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.”
— Synopsis
Notable Cast and Contributions
First Reformed stars Ethan Hawke alongside a talented supporting cast including Amanda Seyfried, Cedric the Entertainer, and Victoria Hill. Their combined performances helped bring depth and nuance to this thoughtful drama, highlighting complex moral questions and human resilience.
For audiences eager to experience or revisit this powerful film, Plex offers First Reformed streaming for free throughout March, making it accessible to a broad viewership during awards season.
Ethan Hawke’s continuing recognition with the Academy Awards and the availability of First Reformed invite renewed appreciation for his enduring craft and the significant themes explored in this compelling thriller.
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