Time travel, romance, and comedy collide in a quirky mix that leaves you pondering the “what ifs” of life. Starring Adam Devine, Alexandra Daddario, and Shelley Hennig, this film is set in contemporary New Orleans, providing a light-hearted take on the classic rom-com genre with a time-travel twist. Categorized as a romantic comedy with elements of fantasy, it explores the well-worn theme of love and destiny but offers enough charm and humor to feel like a fresh take.
The story revolves around Noah (played by Devine), a young man who believes he has found the woman of his dreams in Avery (played by Daddario). However, after spending an unforgettable night together, Avery places Noah squarely in the friend zone, leaving him heartbroken. Fast forward three years, and Noah attends Avery’s engagement party—to another man. Devastated, Noah discovers a magical photo booth that allows him to travel back to the night they first met. Armed with this newfound ability, Noah makes several attempts to change his fate, hoping to win Avery’s heart and rewrite his story. Each time he alters the course of that pivotal night, things never go quite as planned, teaching him about life, love, and himself in the process.
One of the standout aspects of the film is Adam Devine’s performance as Noah. Known for his comedic roles, Devine brings his signature brand of humor to the character, creating a protagonist who is both endearing and frustrating in equal measure. His slapstick comedic timing keeps the tone light, but he also brings a layer of vulnerability to Noah’s character. In his multiple attempts to rewrite the past, Devine shows a subtle range as he navigates various versions of his life—from charming to sleazy to heartbroken—depending on the choices Noah makes. His ability to blend comedy with genuine emotion makes him a likable, if flawed, hero.
Alexandra Daddario, as Avery, plays the object of Noah’s affections with grace and charm. Her role, while somewhat underwritten compared to Noah’s, serves as the heart of the film’s romantic conflict. Avery’s chemistry with Noah feels believable, though more so in the context of friendship than romance. This works to the film’s advantage, as it adds depth to the notion that the best relationships may not be the ones you initially envision. Shelley Hennig, as Carrie, Avery’s best friend, adds an interesting dynamic to the love triangle that develops. Her character becomes more important as the story progresses, offering a fresh perspective on love and compatibility.
A significant aspect of the film’s appeal is its exploration of time travel, which, while not scientifically rigorous, is used effectively to highlight the emotional stakes of the story. Unlike some other time-travel rom-coms, this film keeps the mechanics simple: Noah goes back to the same night over and over, altering small details in an attempt to steer his life toward happiness. The variations in the timeline offer different comedic and emotional scenarios, allowing for fresh takes on the same events. The script does a solid job of using the time-travel concept to build humor and suspense, without letting it overwhelm the central romantic narrative.
The film’s direction by Ari Sandel keeps the pace lively and engaging. The structure of returning to the same night could easily have become repetitive, but Sandel manages to avoid this pitfall by varying the tone and outcomes of each of Noah’s attempts. Whether Noah ends up as a wealthy businessman or a misunderstood musician, the different timelines are well-paced and add an element of surprise to the narrative. The editing also plays a key role in keeping the transitions between timelines smooth and coherent, ensuring that the audience never gets lost in the twists and turns of Noah’s time-hopping adventure.
Visually, the film is crisp and bright, with cinematography that complements its playful tone. The settings, particularly the party scenes and the magical photo booth, are vibrant and colorful, enhancing the film’s whimsical atmosphere. The New Orleans backdrop adds character to the film without overpowering the story, and the city’s charm seeps through in various moments, providing a romantic and picturesque setting for the unfolding drama. The production design, particularly in Noah’s varying lifestyles in different timelines, is detailed enough to make each version of his life feel distinct.
Musically, the film’s soundtrack plays a supporting role in maintaining its light-hearted and whimsical tone. The mix of contemporary pop songs with more subdued tracks fits the mood of each timeline Noah experiences. While the music never becomes a standout element on its own, it effectively underscores key emotional moments and adds to the overall feel-good atmosphere. The score, though subtle, complements the comedic beats without overshadowing the dialogue, letting the characters and their dynamics remain the focus.
Costume design plays a notable role, particularly in how it reflects Noah’s evolving personalities across timelines. From slick suits in his “successful businessman” timeline to casual, unkempt attire when things go off the rails, the costumes help emphasize how drastically his life changes based on the smallest of choices. Avery’s costumes remain more consistent, reflective of her stable and grounded nature, while Carrie’s wardrobe shifts slightly to mirror her evolving role in Noah’s life.
Thematically, the film delves into familiar territory about fate, destiny, and love, but it does so with enough humor and heart to feel fresh. The central message that one cannot force love, no matter how many times you go back and try to change things, resonates well. The movie is ultimately about self-acceptance and realizing that the best relationships may not be the ones we initially set our sights on. Noah’s journey from infatuation to understanding is handled well, even if the film’s conclusion is somewhat predictable.
Overall, When We First Met is an enjoyable rom-com with a unique twist on the time-travel trope. It doesn’t break new ground, but the film delivers solid performances, especially from Devine, and provides enough charm and laughs to keep the audience engaged. For fans of light-hearted romantic comedies with a dash of fantasy, it’s a fun watch. The film succeeds in balancing humor with moments of genuine emotion, and while it may not be a genre-defining masterpiece, it certainly offers an entertaining take on the timeless question of whether we can rewrite our own love stories. If you enjoy rom-coms that don’t take themselves too seriously and have a playful, inventive spirit, this one is worth adding to your watchlist.
