Is The First Time Worth Watching?
Answer: Yes, The First Time is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Drama movies.
It features a runtime of 95 minutes and offers a solid storyline that appeals to general audiences.
The First Time Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 2012, The First Time emerges as a significant entry in the Drama, Comedy, Romance domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of A spark of attraction smolders, then ignites, between two teens from different high schools who meet by chance at a party. Unlike standard genre fare, The First Time attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a conventional take on its central themes.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Drama is often anchored by its ensemble, and The First Time features a noteworthy lineup led by Dylan O'Brien . Supported by the likes of Britt Robertson and Craig Roberts , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
In summary, our editorial assessment of The First Time (2012) is overwhelmingly positive. With an audience rating of 7.0/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
The First Time Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: The First Time is a Drama, Comedy, Romance film that explores complex human emotions and relationships through nuanced character development. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Story Breakdown
This character-driven narrative explores the internal and external conflicts that define the human experience. A spark of attraction smolders, then ignites, between two teens from different high schools who meet by chance at a party. The screenplay takes time to develop its characters, allowing audiences to connect emotionally with their struggles and triumphs. Each scene builds upon the last, creating a cumulative emotional impact.
Narrative Structure
- Opening Hook: We meet the main character in their ordinary world, establishing the emotional baseline before the inciting incident disrupts their life.
- Character Arc: The main character shows growth throughout the story, though some supporting characters could have been more fully realized. The arc is present but occasionally predictable.
- Climax & Resolution: The emotional climax brings character arcs to their natural conclusion, providing catharsis while staying true to the story's themes.
The First Time Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: The First Time resolves its central conflict while maintaining thematic consistency. The finale has been praised for its approach to drama resolution.
The emotional climax centers on character transformation, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes with clear resolution of its central conflicts, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Main characters complete meaningful transformations, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the drama themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of The First Time reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch The First Time?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Drama films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of the cast or director
- Want a character-driven story with emotional moments
The First Time Box Office Collection
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $2.0M |
| Worldwide Gross | $92.7K |
| Trade Verdict | CLEAN HIT |
The First Time Budget
The estimated production budget for The First Time is $2.0M. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
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Full Cast & Crew of The First Time
- Dylan O'Brien – Dave Hodgman
- Britt Robertson – Aubrey Miller
- Craig Roberts – Simon Daldry
- James Frecheville – Ronny
- Victoria Justice – Jane Harmon
Top Highlights
Dylan O'BrienDave Hodgman
Britt RobertsonAubrey Miller
Craig RobertsSimon Daldry
James FrechevilleRonny
Victoria JusticeJane Harmon
Maggie Elizabeth JonesStella
Halston SageBrianna
Lamarcus TinkerBig Corporation
Joshua MalinaAubrey's Dad
Christine TaylorAubrey's Mom
Where to Watch The First Time Online?
Streaming Hub📺 Stream on
MGM Plus🎟️ Rent on
Amazon Video
Apple TV
Google Play Movies
YouTube
Fandango At Home🏷️ Buy on
Amazon VideoApple TVGoogle Play MoviesYouTubeFandango At HomeParents Guide & Age Rating
The First Time is rated PG-13. Parents should be aware that it contains romantic content. Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 7/10, and global collection metrics, The First Time stands as a successful venture for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 2012 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The First Time movie hit or flop?
The First Time is considered a hit based on audience response and box office performance. With a rating of 7/10, it's highly recommended for fans of Drama, Comedy, Romance movies.
Is The First Time worth watching?
Yes, The First Time is definitely worth watching! It's a must-watch hit for fans of Drama, Comedy, Romance cinema.
Where can I watch The First Time online?
The First Time is currently available for streaming on MGM Plus. You can also check for it on platforms like MGM Plus depending on your region.
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Critic Reviews for The First Time
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movieMx Verified
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
