Ethan Hawke has built a career on versatility, moving effortlessly between indie dramas, horror, and blockbuster franchises. But among his many standout roles, one performance consistently rises to the top: his portrayal of Reverend Ernst Toller in Paul Schrader's First Reformed. Now, that acclaimed film is set to become even more accessible, as it joins Plex's free streaming lineup starting November 1, 2026.
Hawke's recent output has been nothing short of prolific. In 2025 alone, he reprised his chilling role as The Grabber in Black Phone 2, directed the documentary Highway 99: A Double Album, and showed his comedic side in She Dances. But it was his work in Richard Linklater's Blue Moon that earned him his fifth Oscar nomination, playing lyricist Lorenz Hart. That role required Hawke to memorize an enormous amount of dialogue, which he tackled by breaking the script into 13 notebooks, treating each as nightly homework.
While Blue Moon was a critical darling, many fans and critics argue that First Reformed remains Hawke's finest hour. The film, which premiered at the Venice Film Festival, follows a troubled minister grappling with faith and despair. Critics praised Hawke's "standout" performance and the film's "sensitive and suspenseful" handling of heavy themes. If you haven't seen it yet, this free streaming debut is the perfect opportunity.
A Box Office Underdog
Despite its critical acclaim, First Reformed didn't exactly set the box office on fire. With a modest budget of $3.5 million, it grossed just $3.9 million worldwide, with most of that coming from domestic theaters. It's a classic case of a great film that didn't find its audience in cinemas but has since gained a devoted following through streaming and word of mouth.
Interestingly, while the Academy recognized Schrader's screenplay with a nomination, Hawke's performance was overlooked for an acting nod—a snub that still rankles many film fans. But that hasn't diminished the film's reputation. It's often cited as one of the best psychological thrillers of the past decade, and its arrival on Plex is a win for anyone who loves thought-provoking cinema.
For those who enjoy Hawke's work in thrillers, there's plenty more to explore. If you're in the mood for a different kind of suspense, you might check out Channing Tatum's twisted thriller Blink Twice, which is hitting Prime Video soon. Or if you're a fan of classic action-thrillers, Gary Oldman's Air Force One is now streaming on Netflix. And for those who appreciate the genre's roots, the iconic 'bigger boat' line from Jaws still defines what makes a thriller great.
Mark your calendars: First Reformed begins streaming for free on Plex on November 1, 2026. Whether you're a longtime Hawke fan or new to his work, this is a performance you won't want to miss.
