First Reformed is, for the most part, a serious and thoughtfully made film where character and story take precedence over box-checking. The narrative remains focused on the protagonist’s spiritual and personal struggles rather than using identity as a shortcut for depth. Forced representation and flawless diverse characters are not central here.

The film does engage in critical portrayals of religion and questions traditional moral frameworks, showing the church as out-of-touch or complicit in modern crises. This could be seen as undermining traditional values, even if not in the loudest, most cartoonish ‘woke’ fashion.

Alternative viewpoints exist in the story, but those clinging to traditional faith or conservative stances are often painted as misguided or naive. There is some space for debate, but the film ultimately leans heavily toward a modern existentialist critique, lacking real pluralism.