68
Metascore
11 reviews · Provided by Metacritic.com
- 98IGNIGNAt its worst, First Match is a gripping drama centered on the relationship between a teen and her estranged father. At its best, it’s an emotional ride with a soul. Its inevitable praise is a testament to the powerful performances therein.
- 80Paste MagazineAndrew CrumpPaste MagazineAndrew CrumpNewman has pretty serious filmmaking chops: She shoots action cleanly, coherently, with an eye for the poetry of a well-executed suplex and the brutality of a back alley brawl. Her strongest work, though, is seen in her characters and in her lead.
- 75IndieWireDavid EhrlichIndieWireDavid EhrlichThis is a movie about where strength comes from, who takes it from us, and how we get it back. It’s familiar territory, but First Match is such a powerful coming-of-age story because Monique makes us feel like she’s the first person to ever set foot there.
- 75RogerEbert.comRogerEbert.comBut there is much to like, and pay attention to in First Match. It’s a film of small moments.
- 70VarietyAmy NicholsonVarietyAmy NicholsonEmanuelle manages to make us care about this bullying girl without pleading for sympathy.
- 70Los Angeles TimesKimber MyersLos Angeles TimesKimber MyersWhile First Match is more ambitious than most films in the genre, it still provides moments to cheer our complicated heroine, whether she's on the mat or off.
- 70The Hollywood ReporterJohn DeForeThe Hollywood ReporterJohn DeForeBuilt around an impressive performance by relative newcomer Elvire Emanuelle, the drama recalls Karyn Kusama's Girlfight, though in that case the parental dynamics ran the opposite direction.
- 63Slant MagazineWes GreeneSlant MagazineWes GreeneAfter a certain point, Olivia Newman's film treats the womanhood of its main character as an afterthought.
- 60TheWrapInkoo KangTheWrapInkoo KangMo’s story feels rare, relevant and real. But we’re stuck on the outside looking in.
- 58The PlaylistLena WilsonThe PlaylistLena WilsonFirst Match is a culturally significant, capably-crafted film, but it leans on safe familiarities when it should seek risky rewards.