Is First Kiss Worth Watching?
Answer: Maybe not, First Kiss is likely a skip if you enjoy Romance movies.
It features a runtime of 89 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
First Kiss Review
Last updated: January 13, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 2018, First Kiss emerges as a significant entry in the Romance, Comedy domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of A starry-eyed employee of a hot cosmetics company hires a dreamy photographer who is secretly indebted to a major rival -- her sketchy aunt. Unlike standard genre fare, First Kiss attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a conventional take on its central themes.
The screenplay, appearing to prioritize narrative momentum and immediate impact, sets a stage where the stakes feel personal yet universal. Under the directorial eye of Roy Poortmans, every scene is crafted to contribute to the atmospheric weight of the story, ensuring that the Romance elements serve the larger narrative arc rather than just providing spectacle.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass in Character Study
The success of any Romance is often anchored by its ensemble, and First Kiss features a noteworthy lineup led by Vajèn van den Bosch. Supported by the likes of Stijn Fransen and Caroline de Bruijn, the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes. However, the sheer charisma of Vajèn van den Bosch, Stijn Fransen, Caroline de Bruijn manages to keep the audience invested through the film's more predictable sequences. In the broader context of 2018 cinema, these performances stand as a testament to the evolving standards of acting within the Romance, Comedy space.
Directorial Vision & Technical Craftsmanship
From a technical perspective, First Kiss is a marvel of 21st-century filmmaking. The cinematography, utilizing a moody and atmospheric color palette, significantly enhances the world-building aspects of the production. Each frame seems calculated to guide the viewer's emotional response, whether through wide, sweeping vistas or tight, claustrophobic close-ups that emphasize character isolation.
Technical Excellence: The production design and visual effects provide a solid foundation for the story, ensuring that the world of the film feels lived-in and authentic, even when the narrative logic falters. Furthermore, the sonic landscape—comprising both the score and sound design—adds a layer of subtextual narrative that rewards attentive viewers.
Narrative Pacing & Structural Integrity
The structure of First Kiss follows a sophisticated brisk pace. Over its 89 minute duration, the film manages to balance exposition with action in a way that remains consistently entertaining. The second act, often the most difficult to manage, serves here as a crucible for character growth, leading toward a climax that feels both inevitable and surprising.
Critically, the editing choices by the team help maintain a narrative tension that rarely wavers. The sharp, concise editing ensures that not a single frame is wasted, making the film ideal for a modern audience that values efficiency in storytelling.
Cultural Impact & Global Resonance
Beyond its immediate entertainment value, First Kiss resonates with contemporary social and cultural themes prevalent in the Romance landscape of 2026. It addresses concepts such as the nature of heroism and personal legacy with a level of maturity that is often missing from major releases.
This cultural relevance is likely why it has garnered a 5.5/10 rating on our platform. Films like this bridge the gap between niche interest and global appeal, proving that stories rooted in specific human experiences can find a home with audiences worldwide, from the US and UK to India and beyond.
Plot Breakdown & Philosophical Subtext
Analyzing the plot deeper, First Kiss is more than just its synopsis. It is an inquiry into the boundaries of human experience. A starry-eyed employee of a hot cosmetics company hires a dreamy photographer who is secretly indebted to a major rival -- her sketchy aunt.
The philosophical underpinnings of the third act suggest a worldview that is standard for its genre yet executed with high professional polish. This is not just a commercial product; it is a piece of art that invites discussion long after the credits have finished rolling.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
In summary, our editorial assessment of First Kiss (2018) is overwhelmingly divisive. With an audience rating of 5.5/10 and strong performance metrics in the Romance, Comedy categories, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Whether you choose to experience it for the stellar performances from Vajèn van den Bosch, Stijn Fransen, Caroline de Bruijn or the visual majesty of its technical execution, First Kiss is a significant contribution to the cinema of 2018. It represents the kind of filmmaking that movieMx is proud to champion—original, bold, and ultimately, deeply human.
First Kiss Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Set within the thematic framework of the Romance, Comedy genre, First Kiss delivers a narrative that attempts to balance character development with structural high-points.
The core plot centers around the following premise: "A starry-eyed employee of a hot cosmetics company hires a dreamy photographer who is secretly indebted to a major rival -- her sketchy aunt."
As the story progresses, the director focuses on building tension through deliberate character interactions, leading to a culmination that has sparked significant discussion among audience members.
First Kiss Ending Explained & Final Analysis
The conclusion of First Kiss leaves several plot threads for interpretation. In the final act, the narrative shifts from exposition to a more complex resolution that ties together the various character arcs introduced earlier.
Key Takeaways from the Ending:
- Resolution: The main conflict reaches a turning point that defines the future status of the lead characters.
- Theme: The final scenes emphasize the underlying themes of Romance that the film explored throughout its runtime.
- Discussion: Many viewers have noted the unusual way the final shot was framed, which serves as a lasting image of the movie's legacy.
Ultimately, First Kiss's ending serves as a definitive close to this chapter, though the logic used provides enough ambiguity to keep fans debating its true meaning long after the credits roll.
Where to Watch First Kiss Online?
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Google Play MoviesYouTubeParents Guide & Age Rating
First Kiss has not been officially rated yet. However, due to its genre classification (Romance, Comedy), viewers should expect romantic content.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 5.5/10, and global collection metrics, First Kiss stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 2018 cinematic year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is First Kiss movie hit or flop?
First Kiss has received mixed reviews with a 5.5/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is First Kiss worth watching?
First Kiss is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Romance, Comedy movies, but read reviews first.
Where can I watch First Kiss online?
First Kiss may be available for rent or purchase on digital platforms like Apple TV, Google Play, or Amazon Prime Video. Specific streaming availability can vary by country.
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Synopsis
A starry-eyed employee of a hot cosmetics company hires a dreamy photographer who is secretly indebted to a major rival -- her sketchy aunt.