Year: 2012
Language: English
Director: Jon Kasdan
Dave and Aubrey, two high school seniors, unexpectedly find themselves drawn to each other in this tender coming-of-age story. Despite their initial hesitation, they embark on a whirlwind romance filled with laughter and unexpected moments. As they experience the thrill of first love, they confront vulnerability and explore their creativity, leading to a magical weekend of self-discovery and connection.
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Read the complete plot breakdown of The First Time (2012), including all key story events, major twists, and the ending explained in detail. Discover what really happened—and what it all means.
Dave and Aubrey’s unexpected connection begins on a Friday night in an alley outside a party, where Dave seeks advice about his crush, Jane. As tension mounts with the arrival of the police, the two evade the chaos and head to Aubrey’s home. Once there, Aubrey asks Dave a bold question regarding his sexual experiences, which he answers honestly. However, when he turns the question back on her, she deflects, leaving a veil of mystery. They share a cozy moment, drifting off to sleep, but in the morning, Dave makes a hurried exit through her window.
Later, while chatting with his friends, Simon and Big Corporation, about Aubrey, they speculate that she must be lying about having a boyfriend. However, Dave soon realizes he doesn’t have her number, prompting them to contact a resourceful friend who provides him with Aubrey’s home number. When he calls, she mentions plans with her boyfriend Ronny, forcing Dave to concoct a tale about hanging out with his friends.
At the cinema, fate intertwines their paths as Dave encounters Jane, unveiling that they are watching the same film. A surprise introduction to Ronny brings an unforeseen twist, leading to an emotional lobby conversation where Aubrey apologizes for her earlier rude behavior. Tension melts away when Dave secures her cell number, inviting both Aubrey and Ronny to a gathering at Brianna’s place.
At the party, a conversation between Aubrey and Jane reveals the depth of Dave’s feelings for Jane, yet Aubrey tentatively suggests she might like him too. Just as romance begins to bloom, Ronny declares his intentions to take Aubrey out that night, igniting worry in Dave. He pleads with Aubrey to reconsider, believing that she deserves more than someone like Ronny. As they edge closer to a kiss, their moment is interrupted by Ronny’s urgent call to leave. Following a brief skirmish, Ronny whisked Aubrey away, leaving Dave alone with his newfound feelings.
As the night unfolds, Jane engages Dave in conversation about her relationships, ultimately making him realize that he can’t stop thinking about Aubrey. Just as he processes this, Aubrey sends him a text asking for a ride. During their drive, she confesses she broke things off with Ronny, and they share a kiss, solidifying their emotional bond.
The following night presents another pivotal moment when Aubrey’s parents are out, leading her to invite Dave over. Although he briefly considers bringing a condom, he arrives with the intention of simply enjoying their time together. As they kiss, Dave hesitates, worried about ruining the magic of their weekend. Together, they discuss the merits of abstaining but soon find themselves giving in to temptation. However, their first experience is far from perfect, leaving them both uncertain of where they stand.
In the days that follow, seeking advice from Simon and Big Corporation proves unhelpful as Simon encourages him to move on. In contrast, Big Corporation urges Dave to embrace challenges. Undeterred, he visits Aubrey the next day, declaring he wants a real relationship despite the previous night’s complications. As they arrive at school together, Aubrey surprises Dave by running back to plant a kiss on him, triumphantly bridging the gap between uncertainty and romance.
Last Updated: October 27, 2024 at 22:43
Discover curated groups of movies connected by mood, themes, and story style. Browse collections built around emotion, atmosphere, and narrative focus to easily find films that match what you feel like watching right now.
Stories of youthful connection that blossom unexpectedly over a short, magical period.If you liked the hopeful, weekend-long romance in The First Time, you'll enjoy these movies. They feature similar stories of youthful first love, tender connections, and self-discovery unfolding over a short, magical period, capturing the sweet and awkward vibe of teen romance.
Narratives in this thread typically unfold over a condensed timeframe—a weekend, a holiday, or a few pivotal days. They follow characters as they meet, connect, and navigate the vulnerabilities of a new relationship, leading to a meaningful, positive emotional resolution that affirms their connection.
Movies are grouped here for their shared focus on a short-term, intense romantic arc for teenage characters, a hopeful and gentle tone, and a light emotional weight that avoids heavy drama, creating a consistently sweet and uplifting viewing experience.
Character-focused stories about young people navigating first experiences without high-stakes drama.Fans of The First Time's gentle approach to teenage life will find more movies like it here. These films share a focus on tender self-discovery, first love, and the awkward, hopeful moments of youth, all presented with a straightforward narrative and light emotional touch.
These stories follow a straightforward, character-driven arc where protagonists confront the vulnerabilities of adolescence. Conflicts are internal or interpersonal, resolved through empathy and communication, leading to a sense of earned confidence and a clearer understanding of oneself.
The grouping is defined by a shared LOW intensity and LIGHT emotional weight, a HOPEFUL tone, and a STEADY pacing that allows for character immersion. They all center on the relatable, non-traumatic aspects of coming of age.
Don't stop at just watching — explore The First Time in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what The First Time is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.
Track the full timeline of The First Time with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.
Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape The First Time. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.
Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of The First Time that covers the main plot points and key details without revealing any major twists or spoilers. Perfect for those who want to know what to expect before diving in.
Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about The First Time: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.
Discover movies like The First Time that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.
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