When We First Met

When We First Met tries to blend time travel with romantic comedy, but it often feels like a mishmash of clichés wrapped in a predictable package. While not entirely awful, it stumbles over its own ambition more often than it should.

A Time-Looped Romance

The film follows Noah Ashby, played by Adam Devine, who discovers a magical photo booth at a Halloween party that allows him to rewind time. After a fateful night spent with Avery Martin (Alexandra Daddario), Noah becomes fixated on winning her heart, using the time loop to relive their initial encounter in hopes of changing the outcome. Each attempt to woo Avery leads to humorous mishaps and a deeper exploration of unrequited love. Despite the magical premise, the story struggles to maintain engagement as it recycles the same scenarios, ultimately feeling like a series of missed opportunities.

A Cast with Missed Potential

Adam Devine’s portrayal of Noah brings a mix of charm and desperation, but at times comes off as too overbearing, which can leave viewers rolling their eyes. Alexandra Daddario as Avery is somewhat underutilized, often relegated to the role of the love interest with little depth. The supporting cast, including Shelley Hennig as Carrie and Andrew Bachelor as Max, adds some comedic relief but lacks significant character development. The film would have benefitted from more balanced and fleshed-out characters, which would have made the romantic stakes feel more genuine and impactful.

Standard Direction, Average Visuals

Ari Sandel’s direction leans heavily into the comedy side, often favoring slapstick humor over emotional resonance. The cinematography is adequate but nothing groundbreaking, failing to elevate the film beyond its basic aesthetic. The time travel mechanics could have been better integrated into the visual storytelling; instead, there are awkward transitions that disrupt the flow. The film’s Halloween setting provides an opportunity for some creative visuals, but many scenes feel flat and uninspired, resulting in a missed chance to create a more immersive experience.

Moments of Frustration

Watching When We First Met can feel like a mixed bag; there are moments of levity but also stretches of dullness that drag on. The repetitive nature of the time loop can be frustrating, as the stakes become monotonous and predictable. While there are attempts at deeper emotional themes regarding love and friendship, these moments often get overshadowed by the film's comedy. Viewers may find themselves checking the runtime, wondering when the plot will finally progress beyond the same scenes being played on repeat.