Yes, this is {A} a sympathetic movie and {B} as confused as the feelings of the teens themselves. I got here because of Hildebrand - who has the greatest character name in the history of all film (in Deadpool), - and the title, which just kind of SCREAMS "coming-of-age lesbian story". That title is such a dead giveaway, it's almost embarrassing.

So, if the intent of this movie was to try to convey the confusion that teens feel when dealing with their sexuality or when they're trying to come out of the closet ... this movie really succeeds and is a ten, because it's really confusing.

Now, I'm not one for linear storytelling with flat characters and the forces of Good vs Evil, but this movie attempt at NOT being that.... well, it clearly fails. Apparently, telling a non-linear story, with characters that aren't either purely sympathetic or clearly nasty.... is very hard. To be honest, I don't know how to do that either, and I do salute the attempt itself. However, they're just not pulling it off. At the end of any movie or story, the kind of wonder, or open endings that the viewer is left with should be, lets say ... less confusing?

For example: Why did Anne have sex with Cliff (she clearly cooperates with him) and the guy from the bar, if she didn't want to? I can see how she wants to be compliant, or that she's taught/brainwashed into just going along with the expectations from the men or boys around her, but the movie should not have left that one hanging, it should've been more explicit about her motives.

Apparently, Cliff knew that Anne was lesbian, but he still had sex with her anyway? What kind of friend/BFF is that? And, no, Anne shouldn't spoon with Cliff, that really DOES count as 'leading him on' unless the girl really SAYS that is as far as it goes. Again, sure, she might be confused about what she wants, but her doubt/struggle isn't really made clear.

Anyways, this is a clear case of "great effort but poor scripting". Very MESSY scripting.

5/10 The Melancholic Alcoholic.

With some movies you just know right from the get go, that you will like them. It can be as little as the combination of a certain font used for the credits combined with a moving score. First Girl I Loved is one of those movies. Even though all 3 main characters are portrayed nicely by the actors it is Dylan Gelula who carries the movie. We can see how she feels at any given second, her confusion, uncertainty and fear. I know that some people will call this an LGBT film but I will not. Because it would limit what this film is. It of course is about that but it is also a coming of age story. A story of finding your true self whatever that encapsulates. The feelings of all of our main characters at that point in life where you have to figure out who you are and we have all been there and can relate.

This movie is directed very well cutting some scenes short that will get revealed later but it will be at its best when it reaches the climax. A scene where the stakes are so high and emotions burst. It will be hard to watch but it is in my opinion the most powerful scene which also finally gives Pamela Adlon a well deserved moment to shine. The can be never enough that send a message of who and however you are, you are ok.

I went into this film completely blind. I saw it was part of the NEXT stream and considering the great films that came from last year's (James White), I didn't hesitate. Also, I love high school coming of age films, so I knew when I was at Sundance I was going to see at least one, because there is always one, and it's generally good. And lucky for me, FIRST GIRL I LOVED was fantastic.

We follow Anne, a high schooler who starts to form a relationship with a softball player, Sasha, at the dismay of Anne's best friend Clifton, who has had a crush on her since forever. The development of Anne's new feelings for this girl is one of the most real and least exploitative I've seen in film. There's no bullshit tropes that have become so derivative in 'lesbian' films, but even calling this a lesbian film is a disservice to what this film is about. Its a love story that doesn't try to push an agenda. Its sweet, heartbreaking and super cool all at once.

Dylan Gelula is fantastic as Anne. She shows awesome range, from the great highs she shares with Sasha to the haunting lows she endures with Clifton. Brianna Hildebrand was convincing as the popular, yet reserved Sasha. I'm glad this is the first thing I saw her in, before her appearance in Deadpool next month. It's a great film to start her breakout year. The chemistry the two girls share is so real. Their banter is effortless, developing their relationship at an organic pace. One thing that I love about their relationship is that its Anne who is trying to court Sasha. Anne is much more confident and cool than Sasha, and usually these narratives tell the story from the more self-conscious POV. FIRST GIRL I LOVED switched it up and it worked for the better, creating a unique and relatable romance.

The film features scenes that aren't entirely revealed until later in the story, creating a unique pace for the film. This allows mystery to form around the characters' motivations and reactions. When we are given the full scenes as the film plays out, its a satisfying surprise rather than a cheap trick. We see what the characters' want to remember about the events, but when they have to confront the reality of it, we see the true depths of what really entailed.

Louie's Pamela Aldon plays Anne's mother, and amazes which is no surprise to any fans of CK's show. And to my surprise, Tim Heidecker shows up as a counsellor in a role that is subtly hilarious and against type. Workaholics' Erik Griffin was equally hilarious.

I'm finishing this review two days after seeing the movie, and its still sinking in. I could keep talking about it, but all I need to say is that I loved it and I'm so eager to see it again. Out of the 11 films I saw at Sundance, this one is definitely among my favourites. Having ended the festival with this film, I could not be more satisfied.