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The First Time (2012) Timeline Explained – Every Event in Order

Release, runtime and language
2012 · English
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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 Events in order (14)
  3. 3 Timeline questions answered
  4. 4 Movie threads
  5. 5 Movies like The First Time
  6. 6 Every angle
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14 events in order · contains spoilers

The First Time Timeline: Events in Chronological Order

Every key event of The First Time (2012) in order, scene by scene, with when and where it takes place. Use it to untangle flashbacks, time jumps and parallel storylines, to refresh your memory before the sequel or to find the exact scene you are thinking of.

  1. First Encounter

    On a Friday night, Dave first meets Aubrey in an alley outside a party, seeking advice about his crush on Jane. Their conversation sparks an unexpected connection as they dodge the chaos of police approaching the party.

    When
    Friday night
    Where
    Alley outside a party
  2. Aubrey's Bold Question

    Once they arrive at Aubrey's home, she boldly inquires about Dave's sexual experiences. Dave answers honestly, but when he returns the question, Aubrey deflects, leaving an air of mystery between them.

    Where
    Aubrey's home
  3. Dave's Hasty Exit

    After sharing a cozy moment and drifting off to sleep, Dave wakes up the next morning and makes a hasty exit through Aubrey's window. This sudden departure establishes the unpredictability of their budding relationship.

    When
    Morning
    Where
    Aubrey's home
  4. Searching for Contact

    Later, while hanging out with friends Simon and Big Corporation, Dave realizes he doesn't have Aubrey's phone number. They enlist a resourceful friend who provides them with her home number, igniting Dave’s determination to connect.

  5. Unexpected Phone Call

    When Dave calls Aubrey, she mentions plans with her boyfriend Ronny, prompting Dave to fabricate a story about spending time with friends. This moment highlights the complications arising from their unspoken feelings.

  6. Fateful Cinema Encounter

    While watching a film at the cinema, Dave unexpectedly runs into Jane, who is there with Ronny. This encounter brings emotional turmoil as Dave wishes to be with Aubrey, which becomes more complicated in the presence of Ronny.

    Where
    Cinema
  7. Apologies and Phone Numbers

    In the cinema lobby, Aubrey apologizes for her earlier rudeness towards Dave. Subsequently, tension loosens as Dave secures her cell number, fostering hope for developing feelings between them.

    Where
    Cinema lobby
  8. Party Revelations

    At Brianna's party, a conversation between Aubrey and Jane unveils the depth of Dave's feelings for Jane, but also sees Aubrey hinting at her interest in Dave. This moment introduces romantic tension as Ronny’s presence looms overhead.

    Where
    Brianna's party
  9. Ronny's Interruptions

    Just as Dave and Aubrey's romance begins to blossom, Ronny declares his intention to take Aubrey out that night. In a desperate attempt, Dave pleads with her to reconsider, emphasizing that she deserves better than Ronny.

    Where
    Brianna's party
  10. Post-Party Realizations

    As the night continues, Jane discusses her relationships with Dave, ultimately stirring deeper feelings for Aubrey within him. This emotional turmoil culminates when Aubrey texts Dave asking for a ride, signaling another pivotal shift.

  11. Confession and Connection

    During their drive, Aubrey confesses she has broken things off with Ronny, paving the way for intimacy. They share a kiss, solidifying their emotional bond and marking a new chapter in their relationship.

    Where
    During the drive
  12. Significant Night In

    The following night presents an opportunity for Dave to visit Aubrey while her parents are out. Despite some hesitation, their chemistry leads to an intimate moment that complicates their feelings and the path forward.

    When
    Following night
    Where
    Aubrey's home
  13. Navigating Relationship Challenges

    In the days that follow, Dave seeks advice from Simon and Big Corporation, who offer contrasting views on how to handle his feelings for Aubrey. This reinforces Dave's resolve to pursue a real relationship despite the challenges they face.

  14. Public Display of Affection

    As Dave and Aubrey arrive at school together, she surprises him by running back to plant a kiss on him. This triumphant moment bridges the previous uncertainties and cements their romantic connection.

    Where
    School

Last updated: October 27, 2024 at 22:43

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Timeline questions answered

The First Time Timeline Explained: Your Questions Answered

When does it happen, and why in that order? The questions people ask about the chronology of The First Time (2012): time jumps, flashbacks, cause and effect between scenes and the correct order of events, each answered with 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

Similar movies to The First Time: the same genre, themes or kind of story. Each one comes with its own plot summary, timeline and ending explained.

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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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