Toller (Ethan Hawke)  was a military chaplain who, after the death of his son, decides to take over the reins of a small Calvinist church, First Reformed, where almost no one goes and which fulfils a more touristic than religious function. Until Mary appears to ask for help for her husband, a radical ecologist who is going through a deep crisis.

Schrader has always felt a predilection for French filmmaker Robert Bresson. It is not surprising, therefore, that he has returned to one of the principal works of that director, The Diary of a Country Priest. He also has a lot in common with Bergman's Winter Light. An Ozu in the silences, in the brief meditations interspersed during filming. And as it couldn't be less, we have the chaplain Toller, echoed by Travis of Schrader's own argument for Taxi Driver.   
 
With elements of suspense and a realistic formal consistency, First Reformed is full of uncoverings and unexpected changes. A cheerfully counter-current film that deals, among other things, with loneliness, spirituality and the threat of climate change.

2018: Prémios Gotham: Prémio Melhor Argumento, Melhor Actor 
2018: Toronto Film Critics Association Awards: Prémio Melhor Actor, Prémio Melhor Argumento Original
2019: Óscar: Nomeado Melhor Argumento Original