Does the reality of a first romantic encounter ever match the cinematic buildup?
In short: Jonathan Kasdan’s 2012 film explores the messy, awkward, and often underwhelming reality of teenage intimacy. By stripping away the usual genre tropes, the story follows two high schoolers navigating the gap between their romantic expectations and the actual, complicated experience of losing their virginity for the first time.
The 2012 teen romantic comedy The First Time, written and directed by Jonathan Kasdan, centers on the burgeoning relationship between Dave Hodgman, a high school senior, and Aubrey Miller, a junior at a different school. Their connection begins during a chance encounter outside a party, leading to a weekend of emotional discovery. While Dave is initially pining for his best friend, Jane Harmon, his interactions with Aubrey reveal a mutual, albeit complicated, attraction. The narrative tracks their journey as they move from casual conversation to a deeper, more intimate bond, ultimately confronting the pressures and expectations surrounding their first sexual experience.
The film’s portrayal of intimacy is intentionally unglamorous. When Dave and Aubrey finally decide to be together, the encounter is marked by hesitation, awkwardness, and a sense of dissatisfaction. Rather than a cinematic climax, the characters find themselves struggling to communicate, leading them to briefly part ways. This depiction of post-coital tension serves as a critique of the idealized 'first time' trope often found in teen cinema. Kasdan’s approach emphasizes the emotional vulnerability of his leads, played by Britt Robertson and Dylan O'Brien, as they navigate the confusion of young love and the realization that reality rarely mirrors their romanticized fantasies.
Critical reception for the film was divided. Some reviewers, such as Todd McCarthy and Joshua Rothkopf, found the story slight and lacking in compelling insights, suggesting the buildup failed to deliver a satisfying payoff. Conversely, critics like Neil Genzlinger praised the film for avoiding gratuitous raunchiness and tired caricatures, highlighting its sweet, low-key tone. Despite its limited theatrical run in October 2012, which grossed approximately $22,836 domestically, the film remains a notable entry in the genre for its attempt to treat teenage emotional openness with nuance. It was eventually made available for home viewing in March 2013, offering a grounded, if imperfect, look at the complexities of adolescent relationships.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: The First Time (2012 film)
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