Ethan Hawke stars in a scene from the movie "First Reformed." The Catholic News Service classification is A-III -- adults. (CNS/courtesy A24)

By Catholic News Service

This drama about a Protestant minister (Ethan Hawke) in upstate New York has quite a bit to say about religious belief, environmentalism, grieving, alienation, rage, the power of love and the corruption of religion by money and power.

Writer-director Paul Schrader does not condescend to belief, but is interested in launching discussions about what faith means and what actions best express it.

Some gore, mature themes, fleeting scatological references. The Catholic News Service classification is A-III — adults. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is R — restricted. Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.

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