Directed by Matt Roberts

Narrative Feature / UK / 84 mins

Strand: Viva Voce: Stories of Women

Screening: Thursday 19th September 21:15 | Friday 20th September 18:15

Review:

A web of love relationships: siblings, marriage, friendship, friends with benefits, new beginnings, and exes. Newly single Josh is supported by Niall, who is hesitant about his own budding romance. Emmy is struggling with cold feet, straining the relationship with her fiancee, Samantha. The debut feature from Matt Roberts takes its style cues from late 1990s - early 2000s British romcom and drama, but updated for a new decade.

As a repeated watcher of FIRST DATES, I’d say this amusing film is perhaps best enjoyed with a glass of wine after dinner, to put the viewer into the same mood as the characters. The script encapsulates a thirtysomething London experience, with plenty of moments of humour, joy and pathos to create a very enjoyable ensemble film. There are plenty of nice stylistic touches, and there’s excellent interplay between the actors, but the true gem is Ciaran Dowd and his comedic rhythm. The script takes cues from Shakespearean comedy, and the actors seem largely to have one foot in the British stage scene. Certainly an enjoyable watch. / Review by Rebecca Drummond Cribb

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Credits:

Director: Matt Roberts

Writer: Matt Roberts

Producer: Matt Roberts

Executive Producer: Mark Waites

Cast: Ciaran Dowd, Owen Roberts, Sarah Ovens, Eleanor Fanyinka, Bekka Bowling