First Match

  • 2018


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46 %
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Positive Reviews 15
Negative reviews 2
Average Rating 4.1/5

  • All
  • Positive
  • Negative
4.5
Though wrestling plays an important part, the movie isnt an underdog sports story. Common Sense Media
4.5
You believe everything about Monique (a brilliant Elvire Emanuelle). Indie Wire
3.1
The film traffics in the same tired and sentimental clichs that hamper so many sports dramas.
4.5
Newman has pretty serious filmmaking chops: She shoots action cleanly, coherently, with an eye for the poetry of a well executed suplex and the brutal .. Paste Magazine
4.5
A tough film with a tender streak for its protagonist and her struggles. Rogerebert
4.5
Stuff that doesnt seem relevant for much of the film comes back in a significant way. IGN
1.5
La lucha libre And damned if dont be shocked this hardboiled hood rat doesnt start to soften up and connect, with teammates, her father and herself. Rogers Movie Nation
4.5
But to the great credit of writer/director Olivia Newman and star Elvire Emmanuelle, First Match doesnt ever feel punishing, even when Mos life is bea .. Decider
4.5
Moniques sticky sweet friendship with Omari doesnt quite scan, either. The Wrap
4.5
Ms. Emanuelles performance as Mo is certainly spectacular, but I dont think Ive seen better screen acting in 2018 than Yahya Abdul Mateen IIs work as .. The New York Times
4.5
Given a handful of fine performances, its pretty easy to overlook the familiarity of the sports drama beats to come. Hollywood Reporter
4.5
tells an unvarnished story that grapples with the complexity of father daughter relationships and the desperation of feeling like you have no choices. Los Angeles Times
4.5
Every punch hurts, and Newman doesnt skimp on the bruises and blood. Variety
1.5
First Match doesnt necessarily get anything wrong, it just doesnt go far enough, in terms of story or mise en scene, to earn the pathos its premise de .. The Play List
4.5
The movies take on Black girl magic doesnt sparkle with glitter, but it honors our experiences nonetheless, daring you not to look away, even when you .. Refinery 29
4.5
First Match escapes the genre and leaves an impression thats often rare for a debut film. Daily Dot
4.5
There is hope here but it isnt laid on thick, and Newmans scenario never follows a predictable or cloying path. Dead Line



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