First Love Movie Review: A Romance that Falls Short of its Potential
Storyline: Love and Crisis Collide
First Love follows Jim, a young man experiencing the highs and lows of his first romantic relationship with Ann, against the backdrop of his family’s financial struggles. The narrative captures Jim’s emotional journey as he deals with the uncertainty of college life and young love, while his parents face the harsh realities of the 2008 economic downturn.
A Missed Opportunity for Deeper Drama
Set during the financial crisis, the movie initially promises a gripping blend of personal and economic turmoil. The Albright family faces emotional and financial challenges, with Glenn (Jeffrey Donovan) losing his prestigious job, leading to feelings of inadequacy. His wife, Kay (Diane Kruger), considers taking a second job to help the family, but her efforts clash with Glenn’s wounded pride. Meanwhile, their older son, Casey, joins the Navy, leaving Jim (Hero Fiennes Tiffin) to grapple with first love.
Unfortunately, the film focuses too heavily on Jim and Ann’s love story, sidelining what could have been a more engaging exploration of the family’s struggles. The complex emotional tensions between Glenn and Kay remain underdeveloped, despite the promising setup.
Romance at the Expense of Depth
Writer-director A.J. Edwards touches on the impact of the financial crisis, but the film falls short in conveying the gravity of the situation. The dialogue often feels oversimplified, and key moments, like Kay’s attempt to get a bank loan, are not given the attention they deserve. These fleeting glimpses into the family’s real hardships are quickly overshadowed by Jim and Ann’s romance, which feels formulaic and lacks emotional resonance.
While Hero Fiennes Tiffin and Sydney Park perform admirably as individuals, their on-screen chemistry is lacking. The predictable romantic beats and dreamy montages don’t add the emotional depth the film desperately needs. Instead, they feel repetitive and fail to lift the story beyond its surface-level narrative.
Strong Performances, Limited Screen Time
The most compelling aspect of First Love lies in the nuanced performances of Jeffrey Donovan and Diane Kruger as Glenn and Kay. Their struggles with pride, financial despair, and the strain on their marriage offer moments of emotional intensity. However, these moments are too few, and their characters are not given enough screen time to fully explore the complexities of their situation.
Supporting performances, particularly from Diane Venora as Kay’s cynical aunt, add brief moments of tension, but the overall focus on the teenage love story diminishes the potential for a richer, more layered narrative.
Visual Appeal but an Unfulfilling Story
Visually, First Love stands out thanks to Jeff Bierman’s cinematography, which adds texture and atmosphere to the film. However, even with its visual beauty, the movie ultimately feels underwhelming due to its lack of focus on the more interesting socio-economic themes. By over-relying on a tepid romance, the film misses the chance to deliver a meaningful and memorable story.
Verdict: Watchable but Forgettable
First Love offers a decent watch, but it doesn’t live up to the potential of its premise. While the film is visually appealing and features strong performances, its uneven narrative and focus on an uninspiring romance leave much to be desired. It’s a movie that could have been so much more but ultimately falls short.
