First Match
Netflix | Release Date (Streaming): March 30, 2018 CRITIC SCORE DISTRIBUTION
68
METASCORE
Generally favorable reviews based on 11 Critic Reviews
Positive:
9
Mixed:
2
Negative:
0
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Critic Reviews

Critic scorePublicationBy date
98
IGNKenneth Seward Jr.Apr 5, 2018
At 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. Read full review
80
Paste MagazineAndrew CrumpApr 5, 2018
Newman 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. Read full review
75
RogerEbert.comJessica RitcheyMar 30, 2018
But there is much to like, and pay attention to in First Match. It’s a film of small moments. Read full review
75
IndieWireDavid EhrlichMar 26, 2018
This 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. Read full review
70
The Hollywood ReporterJohn DeForeApr 5, 2018
Built 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. Read full review
70
Los Angeles TimesKimber MyersMar 29, 2018
While 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. Read full review
70
VarietyAmy NicholsonMar 26, 2018
Emanuelle manages to make us care about this bullying girl without pleading for sympathy. Read full review
63
Movie NationRoger MooreJun 26, 2018
First Match is a gritty streetwise high school wrestling tale and coming of age/finding your “thing” drama. Emmanuelle makes a fearsome first film impression as Mo, a kid worth giving up on, which is why almost everyone has. Read full review
63
Slant MagazineWes GreeneMar 27, 2018
After a certain point, Olivia Newman's film treats the womanhood of its main character as an afterthought. Read full review
60
TheWrapInkoo KangMar 30, 2018
Mo’s story feels rare, relevant and real. But we’re stuck on the outside looking in. Read full review
58
The PlaylistLena WilsonMar 26, 2018
First Match is a culturally significant, capably-crafted film, but it leans on safe familiarities when it should seek risky rewards. Read full review
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