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Plot Summary

The First Time (2012) Plot Summary Explained

Release, runtime and language
2012 · English
JustWatch #15,276 7
Directed by
Jon Kasdan
Starring
Dylan O'Brien, Victoria Justice, James Frecheville, Brittany Robertson

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.

On this page (6)
  1. 1 Where to watch
  2. 2 What happens: full plot
  3. 3 Plot questions answered
  4. 4 Movie threads
  5. 5 Movies like The First Time
  6. 6 Every angle

Where to watch

Where to Watch The First Time (2012)

Where can you watch The First Time? Stream, rent or buy it in the US, including on MGM Plus, Tubi TV and YouTube Free: current JustWatch availability with up-to-date prices.

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Full plot summary · contains spoilers

What Happens in The First Time: Full Plot Summary

The whole story of The First Time (2012) explained, from the opening scene to the final frame: every key event, every twist and what it all adds up to. Read it as a quick recap before the sequel, to check a scene you missed, or to finally understand what really happened.

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

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Plot questions answered

The First Time Plot Explained: Your Questions Answered

The questions people ask most about The First Time (2012): what happens in the confusing scenes, why the characters do what they do, the twists, hidden details and what the ending means. Each answer contains spoilers.

Q1

Why does Aubrey say she has a boyfriend when she doesn't?

Aubrey uses Ronny as a shield to protect herself from getting hurt. She's initially hesitant about starting something new with Dave, so mentioning a boyfriend is a way to create distance and test whether Dave is truly interested or just looking for something casual.

  • aubrey
  • ronny
  • boyfriend
  • protection
  • hurt
Q2

Why does Dave leave through the window the morning after meeting Aubrey?

Dave panics and feels awkward about the intimate moment they shared. He's nervous about facing Aubrey in the morning and doesn't know how to handle the vulnerability of the situation, so he chooses to leave quietly rather than awkwardly say goodbye.

Foreshadowing: The hasty exit establishes Dave's pattern of nervousness around romantic situations.

  • dave
  • aubrey
  • morning
  • window
  • leave
  • awkward
Q3

Why does Aubrey avoid answering when Dave asks about her sexual experience?

Aubrey deflects because she's embarrassed and lacks experience. When she boldly asks Dave about his sexual history, she's projecting confidence, but when faced with returning the question, she can't be honest about her own inexperience.

Foreshadowing: This moment foreshadows her insecurity about their physical relationship later in the film.

  • aubrey
  • sex
  • experience
  • embarrassed
  • deflect
Q4

What makes Aubrey decide to break up with Ronny?

Aubrey realizes her feelings for Dave are stronger than what she has with Ronny. After seeing Dave at the party and witnessing his genuine concern for her, she understands that Dave actually cares about her as a person, not just as someone to hang out with.

Foreshadowing: Earlier at the party, Dave pleads with Aubrey, telling her she deserves better than Ronny, which plants the seed of doubt.

  • aubrey
  • ronny
  • breakup
  • dave
  • feelings
Q5

Why is Ronny with Jane at the movie theater?

Ronny is Jane's date or friend at the movies. The twist is that Dave's crush Jane is there with Ronny, making the situation more complicated because Dave wants to be with Aubrey but still has lingering feelings for Jane.

  • ronny
  • jane
  • cinema
  • movie
  • theater
Q6

What happens during Dave and Aubrey's first time?

Their first sexual experience is awkward and doesn't go as planned. Both are nervous and inexperienced, leading to an uncomfortable moment that leaves them uncertain about where they stand. Dave hesitates because he's worried about ruining the magic of their weekend together.

Foreshadowing: Aubrey's earlier deflection about sexual experience and Dave's nervousness both foreshadow this awkward encounter.

  • first time
  • sex
  • awkward
  • dave
  • aubrey
  • perfect
Q7

Why does Dave want a relationship after their imperfect first time?

Dave realizes that despite the awkward experience, his feelings for Aubrey are real and strong enough to work through the discomfort. He doesn't let one bad experience deter him from pursuing a genuine connection, showing his maturity and commitment.

  • dave
  • aubrey
  • relationship
  • first time
  • commitment
Q8

Why does Aubrey run back to kiss Dave at school?

Aubrey runs back to kiss Dave publicly because she wants to confidently claim their relationship after the week of uncertainty and awkwardness. This public display is her way of confirming to herself and others that they're together, overcoming her previous hesitation.

Foreshadowing: This moment represents the culmination of Aubrey's journey from defensive uncertainty to confident openness.

  • aubrey
  • kiss
  • school
  • public
  • relationship

Movie threads

More Movies Like The First Time, by Mood & Story

Curated lists built around what makes The First Time tick: the same mood, the same kind of story or the same emotional payoff. Each list explains why these movies belong together.

Whirlwind Teen Romance Movies Like The First Time

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.

  • hopeful
  • sweet
  • tender
  • awkward
  • youthful
  • nostalgic
  • Tone: hopeful, sweet
  • Pacing: steady
Why these movies?

The story pattern: 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.

Why they belong together: 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.

Tender Coming-of-Age Stories Similar to The First Time

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.

  • tender
  • hopeful
  • awkward
  • sweet
  • youthful
  • nostalgic
  • Tone: hopeful, tender
  • Pacing: steady, character-driven
Why these movies?

The story pattern: 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.

Why they belong together: 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.

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Movies Like The First Time

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Every angle

The First Time (2012) Explained: Plot, Timeline & Characters

Everything about The First Time in one place: what happens in the plot summary, the timeline in chronological order, the characters and meaning and a spoiler-free summary. What's After the Movie adds the cast, box office and post-credit scenes.

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