Cast
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Hero Fiennes Tiffin
as Jim Albright
Sydney Park
as Ann Matienzo
Diane Kruger
as Kay Albright
Jeffrey Donovan
as Greg Albright
Nikolai Tsankov
as Father Alex
Chris Galust
as Casey Albright
Nanrisa Lee
as Senior Manager
Blake Weise
as Nick
Sharon Leal
as Jeannine Matienzo
Makeba Pace
as Sonia
Aurelia Michael
as Headhunter
Diane Venora
as Aunt Irene
Vincent Ventresca
as Mark Albright
Harrison Cone
as Tol
Stephen Singleton
as Kris
Crew
Director
- A.J. Edwards
Writer
- A.J. Edwards
Producer
- Lucas Jarach
- Nadine de Barros
- A.J. Edwards
- Henry Briggs Kittredge
- Hero Fiennes Tiffin
Reviews
CinemaSerf
What in heaven's name is Diane Kruger doing in this? It's one of these cheesy angst-ridden stories that is really all about building upon eye-candy Hero Fiennes Tiffin's "After..." series of unremarkable youthful romances. This time he ("Jim") falls for school friend "Ann" (Sydney Park) but for reasons that I didn't quite spot, she dumps him (after they've shagged, so perhaps it's not just his acting that's not so hot?). Meantime, his mum "Kay" (Miss Kruger) and her on-screen husband "Greg" (Jeffrey Donovan) are struggling in the aftermath of the financial crisis - their marriage and their home are at risk after he loses his job. Can he find work and can the kids patch their relationship up? What do you think? It's bizarre this film - nothing happens. The emotional/sex scenes are as lacking in passion as possible - without them actually being in different rooms, and the soundtrack, which can frequently be a redeeming factor in films like this - is really just lacklustre. HFT needs to be careful. He has a certain boyish charm, but he is not strong on accents (though quite why one was required here at all is anyone's guess) and unless he starts on the route to more substantial parts, then he is wont to disappear without trace leaving a legacy of teenage mush behind him. This is poor, no other word for it - even if I am not the demographic!
Sep 6, 2022
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, First Love examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of contemporary challenges that mirror our own experiences. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director A.J. Edwards brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 2022, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of First Love took approximately 30 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 95 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 116 minutes long.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
- The musical score contains over 45 unique compositions.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
Historical Context
- In 2022, when this film is released:
- Artificial intelligence was becoming increasingly integrated into daily life and creative industries.
- Streaming platforms had largely replaced traditional cinema and television models.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
Details
- Release Date: June 17, 2022
- Runtime: 1h 35m
Where to Watch
