Initially, seeing the cast for When We First Met sparked some hesitation. Familiar with some of the actors’ previous work, I wasn’t entirely convinced this would be a cinematic masterpiece. However, the trailer hinted at a fun premise, and my weakness for time travel movies ultimately won me over. Learning that time travel was central to the plot of When We First Met pushed me to set aside my reservations and give it a shot on Netflix.
Adam Devine and Alexandra Daddario in a photo booth, the central element for time travel in the movie
When We First Met revolves around Noah (Adam Devine), a jazz bar pianist, and Avery (Alexandra Daddario), the woman of his dreams. After what Noah perceives as a magical first night, he believes they are perfect for each other. Avery, however, sees things differently, placing him firmly in the friend zone. Destiny then intervenes when she meets Ethan (Robbie Amell) the very next day, setting them on a path Noah desperately wishes he could rewrite. At Avery and Ethan’s engagement party, a heartbroken and intoxicated Noah makes a scene. Carrie (Shelley Hennig), Avery’s best friend, offers to take him home, but instead, he insists on being dropped off at his workplace, the jazz bar. Lost in his memories of his first encounter with Avery, Noah finds himself in the antique photo booth they shared that fateful night. He awakens to an unbelievable reality: he’s back on the day he first met Avery. Believing he has been granted a second chance, Noah embarks on a mission to correct his perceived mistakes and finally win Avery’s heart.
A Time Loop with a Twist for Netflix Viewers
This movie treads familiar ground as another “reliving a day” time travel story, a popular subgenre within Movies About Time Travel On Netflix. However, When We First Met distinguishes itself with a unique approach. Unlike narratives where the protagonist is trapped in a loop until a specific lesson is learned, Noah can break free from the day and witness the immediate consequences of his altered choices in the present. Some outcomes are instantly regrettable, while others appear positive initially, only to reveal unforeseen complications later on. The photo booth serves as his portal, allowing him to repeatedly jump back and attempt to reshape his destiny. Interestingly, When We First Met deviates from the typical time travel movie trope by not requiring Noah to endure countless iterations or rely on montages to propel the narrative forward. His learning curve is surprisingly efficient, keeping the story focused and engaging for viewers seeking time travel movies on Netflix.
Noah looking determined as he plans his next time travel attempt in the photo booth
Redeeming Performances in a Netflix Time Travel Rom-Com
My initial reservations about the cast were completely dispelled; every actor exceeded expectations. Alexandra Daddario, whom I had previously only seen in Percy Jackson and Baywatch, roles that didn’t fully showcase her range, was captivating as every version of Avery. This movie has definitely piqued my interest in exploring more of Adam Devine’s filmography. I realize now I may have underestimated his talent. His likeability is crucial to the film’s success; if Noah isn’t relatable, the entire premise crumbles. Fortunately, Devine portrays him with a pathetic yet endearing charm, making it easy for the audience to root for his character’s time-bending quest for love in this Netflix offering.
Unexpected Depth in a Time Travel Love Story
When We First Met proved to be surprisingly insightful about love, fate, and the complexities of relationships. The film subtly suggests that in our efforts to mold ourselves into someone we think another person desires, we risk losing the very qualities that make us unique and special. Furthermore, it highlights how fixating on superficial aspects of someone can blind us to the reality that our initial perceptions might be entirely fabricated. One of the central themes explored in this time travel movie now streaming on Netflix is that love is composed of intangible elements that defy simple definition. I went into this movie expecting a lighthearted rom-com, and was pleasantly surprised by its unexpected philosophical undertones.
Avery and Noah sharing a seemingly intimate moment, highlighting the romantic aspect of the movie
Minor Character Quirk
The only element that slightly detracted from my enjoyment was Noah’s best friend, Max (Andrew Bachelor). While Bachelor is a capable actor, the character felt somewhat stereotypical. Max embodies the “basic bro” archetype, consistently resorting to cringeworthy pick-up lines and dispensing questionable advice to Noah on how to interact with women. His romantic ineptitude is hardly surprising. There’s a fleeting moment where Max displays a hint of depth, but it’s brief and solely triggered by Noah’s time-altering actions within that specific timeline.
A Satisfying Time Travel Journey on Netflix
Noah’s journey throughout the movie is compelling and feels surprisingly grounded, even within the fantastical context of time travel. I appreciated that the movie didn’t attempt to over-explain the time travel mechanism; it simply accepts it as a narrative device. The resolution of When We First Met brought genuine satisfaction, tying up loose ends effectively. The movie managed to leave me feeling both content and wanting more, a testament to its enjoyable and engaging nature.
4.5 / 5
When We First Met is readily available for streaming on Netflix, making it an accessible choice for viewers searching for engaging movies about time travel on Netflix.
