First Match

About First Match

First Match is a 2018 independent drama film directed by Olivia Newman. It premiered at the SXSW Film Festival and was released on Netflix. The film centers around the story of a teenage girl named Monique who joins the all-boys high school wrestling team to reconnect with her estranged father and find her place in the world.

Explore

• About
• Making / Production
• Actors
• Trivia / Interesting Facts
• Awards
• Quotes
• Music
• Soundtrack

About

The film follows the story of Monique, a teenage girl from Brooklyn who has been in foster care for most of her life. In an attempt to reconnect with her estranged father, Darrel, she joins the boys' wrestling team at her high school. Monique faces numerous challenges, both on and off the wrestling mat, as she tries to find her place in a male-dominated sport.

The film explores themes of identity, family bonds, and the pursuit of dreams. Monique's journey through wrestling becomes a metaphor for her struggle to overcome obstacles and prove herself to those who doubt her.

Making / Production

First Match is directed by Olivia Newman, who also wrote the screenplay. The film is based on Newman's 2010 short film of the same name, which won several awards.

The production of the film was a labor of love for Newman, who spent years developing the story and securing financing. She wanted to create a realistic portrayal of the wrestling world and worked closely with experienced wrestlers and coaches to ensure authenticity.

The film was shot on location in Brooklyn, capturing the gritty atmosphere of the neighborhood. The cinematography by Ashley Connor enhances the raw emotion of the story, using handheld cameras and close-ups to draw the audience into Monique's world.

Actors

• Elvire Emanuelle as Monique: Portraying the lead character, Emanuelle delivers a powerful and nuanced performance, capturing both Monique's vulnerability and determination.
• Yahya Abdul-Mateen II as Darrel: Abdul-Mateen II plays Monique's estranged father, bringing depth and complexity to the character.
• Colman Domingo as Coach Castile: Domingo's portrayal of the wrestling coach is both tough and compassionate, providing guidance and support to Monique throughout her journey.
• Jharrel Jerome as Omari: Jerome portrays Monique's friend and potential love interest, adding a layer of romance and friendship to the story.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The film was inspired by director Olivia Newman's own experiences as a youth wrestling coach.
• This is the feature film debut for director Olivia Newman.
• The film incorporates real-life wrestlers and athletes, adding to its authenticity.
• First Match received positive reviews from critics, praising its performances and heartfelt storytelling.

Awards

First Match received the Audience Award for Best Narrative Feature at the SXSW Film Festival.

Quotes

• "I want to wrestle. I want to stand out." - Monique
• "You gotta stay focused. You don't make enough noise, nobody hears you." - Coach Castile
• "Your hands are getting sweaty because you're thinking about it too much. Just let yourself go." - Darrel

Music

The film features a soundtrack that blends gritty hip-hop beats with emotional and introspective songs, reflecting the struggles and triumphs of the characters.

Soundtrack

• "Brooklyn" by Denaun Porter
• "First Match" by Joe Newell
• "Wrestling with My Demons" by Apollo Brown
• "Coming Home" by Celia Rose