The First Time (2012) — AI Story Visualization

Plot Analysis Summary

Two teenagers move from confusion and jealousy toward an honest attempt at emotional and romantic commitment.

Story Structure — 5 Plot Phases

A Chance Outside the Party

Dave begins the story focused on Jane, but meeting Aubrey changes the direction of his night. Their private conversation creates an unexpected emotional connection.

Key Events

• Party Confession Rehearsal — Dave rehearses a love confession for Jane, but she is unimpressed. Characters: Dave Hodgman, Jane Harmon Location: House party
• Dave Meets Aubrey — Dave meets Aubrey while a police raid interrupts the party. Characters: Dave Hodgman, Aubrey Miller Location: Outside the house party
• Walk Home Together — Aubrey asks Dave to walk her home despite having a boyfriend. Characters: Dave Hodgman, Aubrey Miller Location: Neighborhood streets
• Bedroom Conversation — They drink wine, discuss virginity, and accidentally fall asleep together. Characters: Dave Hodgman, Aubrey Miller Location: Aubrey's bedroom
• Escape Through Window — Aubrey's mother knocks, prompting Dave to sneak out the window. Characters: Dave Hodgman, Aubrey Miller, Aubrey's Mom Location: Aubrey's house

Jealousy Takes the Stage

Dave's friends encourage him to invite Aubrey to the movies, but Ronny's presence complicates the plan. Jane's flirting and Aubrey's jealousy expose the growing tension between the characters.

Key Events

• Breakfast Advice — Dave's friends suggest inviting Aubrey to the movies. Characters: Dave Hodgman, Simon Daldry, Big Corporation Location: Breakfast restaurant
• Separate Movie Plans — Aubrey is already going to the movie with Ronny. Characters: Dave Hodgman, Aubrey Miller, Ronny, Simon Daldry, Big Corporation Location: Movie theater area
• Jealous Theater Encounter — Jane flirts with Dave, making Aubrey confused and upset. Characters: Dave Hodgman, Aubrey Miller, Ronny, Jane Harmon Location: Movie theater
• Lobby Apology — Aubrey apologizes, and Dave gets her cell number. Characters: Dave Hodgman, Aubrey Miller Location: Movie theater lobby
• Poolside Discussion — Aubrey and Jane discuss Dave and his romantic potential. Characters: Aubrey Miller, Jane Harmon Location: Pool

Choosing What Matters

Ronny's boast about sex provokes Dave into a confrontation. Dave then abandons his assumptions about Jane and recognizes that he wants Aubrey instead.

Key Events

• Ronny's Sexual Boast — Ronny boasts about planning sex with Aubrey in his van. Characters: Dave Hodgman, Aubrey Miller, Ronny Location: Party
• Dave Confronts Ronny — Dave warns Aubrey and nearly fights Ronny before friends intervene. Characters: Dave Hodgman, Aubrey Miller, Ronny, Simon Daldry, Big Corporation Location: Party
• Dave Chooses Aubrey — Dave leaves Jane after realizing he would rather be with Aubrey. Characters: Dave Hodgman, Jane Harmon Location: Party bedroom
• Aubrey Ends Relationship — Aubrey asks Dave to pick her up and tells him she dumped Ronny. Characters: Dave Hodgman, Aubrey Miller, Ronny Location: Car

A Fragile First Time

Aubrey ends her relationship with Ronny, and she and Dave acknowledge their feelings. Their first sexual experience is awkward and leaves both of them uncertain.

Key Events

• Aubrey Ends Relationship — Aubrey asks Dave to pick her up and tells him she dumped Ronny. Characters: Dave Hodgman, Aubrey Miller, Ronny Location: Car
• Accident Aftermath — They pass the aftermath of an accident involving the teens' van. Characters: Dave Hodgman, Aubrey Miller Location: Roadside
• First Kiss — Dave and Aubrey acknowledge their mutual feelings and kiss. Characters: Dave Hodgman, Aubrey Miller Location: Roadside
• Park Meeting — Dave and Aubrey meet at a park with Dave's younger sister Stella. Characters: Dave Hodgman, Aubrey Miller, Stella Location: Park
• Awkward First Sex — Dave and Aubrey decide to have sex, but neither feels satisfied afterward. Characters: Dave Hodgman, Aubrey Miller Location: Aubrey's bedroom

Trying Again

Dave's friends help him understand that Aubrey is special. Dave declares his feelings, and Aubrey agrees to rebuild the relationship before sealing the decision with a kiss.

Key Events

• Painful Separation — They call the experience a mistake, separate, and repeatedly hesitate to call. Characters: Dave Hodgman, Aubrey Miller Location: Aubrey's bedroom and home
• Friends Encourage Reconciliation — Big Corporation reminds Dave that Aubrey is someone special and urges another attempt. Characters: Dave Hodgman, Simon Daldry, Big Corporation Location: Restaurant
• Driveway Declaration — Dave declares his feelings and asks Aubrey to try again. Characters: Dave Hodgman, Aubrey Miller, Aubrey's Dad, Aubrey's Mom Location: Aubrey's driveway
• Second Chance Kiss — Aubrey agrees to try again and returns for a passionate kiss. Characters: Dave Hodgman, Aubrey Miller Location: Outside Aubrey's school

Story Breakdown

• Dave's Initial Confusion — Dave begins by believing Jane is the person he loves.
  • Confession Rehearsal — Dave practices declaring his love for Jane at the party.
  • Jane's Limited Response — Jane is unimpressed by Dave's rehearsal.
• Aubrey Enters — Meeting Aubrey gives Dave an unexpected alternative to his original romantic plan.
  • Party Encounter — Dave meets Aubrey outside the party during the police raid.
  • Bedroom Conversation — They drink wine, discuss virginity, and fall asleep together.
• Complicated Attraction — Dave and Aubrey's attraction grows while Ronny and Jane create uncertainty.
  • Movie Theater Jealousy — Jane flirts with Dave while Aubrey watches and becomes upset.
  • Poolside Implications — Aubrey suggests that the right guy may already be nearby.
• Ronny's Pressure — Ronny's behavior turns romantic uncertainty into open conflict.
  • Van Sex Boast — Ronny boasts about planning sex with Aubrey.
  • Party Confrontation — Dave warns Aubrey and nearly fights Ronny.
• Dave Chooses Aubrey — Dave recognizes that his feelings for Aubrey are stronger than his attachment to Jane.
  • Leaving Jane — Dave leaves Jane after realizing he wants to be with Aubrey.
  • Aubrey's Pickup — Dave picks Aubrey up after she ends her relationship with Ronny.
• Mutual Recognition — A shared emotional reaction leads Dave and Aubrey to acknowledge their feelings.
  • Roadside Accident — The aftermath of an accident unsettles Aubrey during their drive.
  • First Kiss — Dave and Aubrey recognize their mutual feelings and kiss.
• Awkward Intimacy — Their first sexual experience exposes the gap between expectation and reality.
  • Decision To Have Sex — Dave and Aubrey hesitate before deciding to have sex.
  • Unsuccessful First Time — Neither feels satisfied, and their conversation becomes increasingly awkward.
• Reconciliation Attempt — Advice and honest declarations give the couple a chance to repair the relationship.
  • Friends' Perspective — Big Corporation reminds Dave that Aubrey is someone special.
  • Driveway Declaration — Dave tells Aubrey how he feels and asks to try again.
• Hopeful Commitment — Aubrey accepts that their relationship deserves another chance.
  • Working On Intimacy — Aubrey agrees that they should try again and work on sex.
  • Final Kiss — Aubrey breaks her no-PDA rule to kiss Dave passionately.

Directed by

Jon Kasdan

Key Cast

• Dylan O'Brien — Dave Hodgman
• Britt Robertson — Aubrey Miller
• Craig Roberts — Simon Daldry
• James Frecheville — Ronny
• Victoria Justice — Jane Harmon