Paul Schrader’s well-received indie “First Reformed” has been acquired by A24 for domestic distribution.
The “Taxi Driver” screenwriter brought the film to this year’s Toronto International Film Festival, where it won over critics amidst starry competition and major studio fare like Paramount’s “mother!” and Fox Searchlight’s “Battle of the Sexes.”
Currently eyeing a 2018 release, “First Reformed” stars Ethan Hawke, Amanda Seyfried and Cedric the Entertainer.
Hawke plays a small town reverend counseling an expectant mother in Seyfried, whose husband is a feverish activist. His escalating involvement with the family leads to ugly and profound confrontations over his past.
Christine Vachon, David Hinojosa, Frank Murray, Jack Binder, Greg Clark, Victoria Hill, Gary Hamilton and Deepak Sikka are all producers on the project. Arclight Films is handling the international release.