The First Time
The First Time Review: Story, Cast, Rating & Final Verdict
Last updated: April 12, 2026
Movie Overview: The First Time
| Movie | The First Time |
| Release Year | 2012 |
| Director | Jon Kasdan |
| Genre | Drama / Comedy / Romance |
| Runtime | 95 minutes |
| Language | EN |
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is The First Time (2012) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a HIT with a verified audience rating of 7.0/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Drama.
Cast & Character Study
The performances in The First Time are led by Dylan O'Brien . The supporting cast, including Britt Robertson and Craig Roberts , provides the necessary layers to the central narrative.
movieMx Verdict: Is it Worth Your Time?
What Works in the Movie
The First Time stands out as a strong entry in the Drama genre. The film benefits from engaging storytelling, memorable performances, and solid production values that help keep viewers invested.
- Compelling performances from the main cast
- Strong visual storytelling and direction
- Well-structured Drama narrative
- Satisfying emotional or dramatic payoff
What Doesn't Work
Despite its strengths, The First Time has a few issues that may affect the overall viewing experience, particularly in terms of pacing and narrative consistency.
- Uneven pacing in certain parts of the film
- Some predictable plot developments
- May not appeal to audiences outside the Drama fanbase
Story & Plot Summary: The First Time
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 2012, The First Time is a Drama, Comedy, Romance film directed by Jon Kasdan. The narrative explores complex human emotions and relationships through detailed character development. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Dylan O'Brien.
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 Dylan O'Brien's journey, 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. Dylan O'Brien's 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 core themes.
Ending Explained: The First Time
The First Time Ending Explained: Directed by Jon Kasdan, The First Time resolves its central conflicts in a coherent and engaging way. The ending highlights the core drama themes developed throughout the film.
The emotional resolution focuses on the transformation of its main characters, particularly in scenes involving Dylan O'Brien. The interpretation of the ending may vary among viewers.
Key Elements of the Ending
- Narrative Resolution: The main storyline reaches a clear conclusion.
- Character Development: The central characters complete meaningful arcs.
- Thematic Message: The ending reinforces the drama themes introduced earlier in the film.
The final moments of The First Time reflect the creative choices of the filmmakers and align with the tone of the narrative.
Who Should Watch The First Time?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Drama films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of Dylan O'Brien or the director
- Want a character-driven story with emotional moments
Box Office Collection: The First Time
| 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.
Top Cast: The First Time
All Cast & Crew →
Where to Watch The First Time Online?
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Amazon VideoApple TV StoreGoogle Play MoviesYouTubeFandango At HomeThe First Time Parents Guide & Age Rating
2012 AdvisoryWondering about The First Time age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of The First Time is 95 minutes (1h 35m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 7.0/10, and global performance metrics, The First Time is classified as a HIT. It remains an essential part of the 2012 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The First Time worth watching?
The First Time is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Drama movies. It has a verified rating of 7/10 and stands as a HIT in our box office analysis.
Where can I find The First Time parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for The First Time identifies it as PG-13. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of The First Time?
The total duration of The First Time is 95 minutes, which is approximately 1h 35m long.
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movieMx Verified
This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
