First Girl I Loved

This is a sweet and simple girl meets girl teenage romance that occasionally steps out with some artful devices and quirky dialogue. It’s not technically slick and the script should have gone through a few more re-writes, but for the teen market at which it is clearly aimed, it’s entertaining and satisfying.

Anne (Dylan Gelula) is a smart, creative but alas slightly nerdy and awkward adolescent, oblivious to the romantic cravings of her male best friend Clifton (Mateo Arias). Instead, she finds herself drawn to softball hero, Sasha Basanez (Brianna Hildebrand). The attraction is mutual and after some barely subtle flirting they consummate their crush.

But, while Anne has one foot outside the closet, Sasha is receding into the corner behind the coats and it seems the affair may be doomed before it blossoms. Meanwhile, Clifton is reeling from the double slap of being spurned for another woman.

There are some well written peripheral characters with surprisingly few stereotypes. Worth a look.

★★★

Reviewed by Rita Bratovich.