First Time Female Director

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First Time Female Director

2023

1h 36m

Comedy

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Popcornmeter

36%

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14 Reviews

58%

Popcornmeter

Fewer than 50 Ratings

Aspiring writer Sam (Chelsea Peretti) is thrust into the role of director when the Regis Theatre's director is fired. Hand-picked by the theatre's artistic director, Sheldon (Andy Richter), Sam is asked to direct the Regis' upcoming Southern-inspired play, 'Rain's Comin' In.' Sam dives into the opportunity, and hilarity ensues as she struggles to wrangle the eclectic cast--including classic theater kid Rudy (Benito Skinner); over-trained amateur Clara (Kate Berlant); vain, tech-addict Davina (Meg Stalter); theater vet Marjory (Megan Mullally); acting savant Simon (Jak Knight); and Corden (Blake Anderson), whose minor acting credits give him high status in the company. Barely making it through each rehearsal, Sam vents to her eccentric therapist, Meg (Amy Poehler) and even turns to the Regis' arrogant-but-dorky usher, Robbie (Max Greenfield), for drunken comfort. As Sam struggles to understand why she can't seem to nail her production, she tries different tactics to make her play a success. Will she finally hit it big? Or will being a first-time female director lead her to try a totally different career?

Michael Nordine

Variety

Feels less like a coming-out party for an actual first-time director and more like a case of opening-night jitters.

Mar 7, 2024

Full Review

Valerie Complex

Deadline Hollywood Daily

Although it may stumble under its ambitions, it provides a messy, challenging, insightful, painfully humorous examination of women in entertainment.

Jun 22, 2023

Full Review

Jason Bailey

The Playlist

"First Time Female Director” is a tremendous disappointment because Peretti is such a gifted performer.

Rated: D+

Jun 17, 2023

Full Review

Tina Kakadelis

Film Obsessive

There’s so much passion at play here, but it isn’t able to hit a clear homerun.

Mar 17, 2024

Full Review

Stephen Silver

Splice Today

While there are scattered laughs here or there, it’s never as funny as the premise and the presence of all those hilarious people

Rated: 2/5

Mar 14, 2024

Full Review

Aaron Neuwirth

We Live Entertainment

Not devoid of humor, as there are too many funny people from various corners of the modern comedy world not to land some jokes... Still, first time or not, it’s not the most auspicious attempt, and there’s a lack of finesse that shows.

Rated: 4/10

Mar 13, 2024

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Alyssa E

This is a down to Earth film, meaning it's about real life and people. I have watched it a few times now. Chelsea, keep it up. Keep creating.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

04/09/24

Full Review

Sophie

Found it very funny!!

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

04/03/24

Full Review

Lindsay K

Wow, what a groundbreaking masterpiece! I'm determined to etch every frame of this film into my memory because it's hilarious and essential to human existence. From the writing to the cast, Adam Scott's hair and Chelsea Peretti's bold direction seamlessly guide us through this revolutionary cinematic journey of 'First Time Female Director, ' this film is a monumental contribution to the world of cinema. Chelsea Peretti, I am genuinely grateful you gave me another favorite film alongside 'Wet Hot American Summer.' And to any hostile critics of this film - you are all basic, boring, and wrong.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

04/02/24

Full Review

Rachel K

Soooooo baddddd This movie is absolutely terrible. Cast looked good but DO NOT WATCH Straight up awful

Rated 0.5 out of 5 stars

03/10/24

Full Review

DollarSmart B

This film should be required viewing for all film school students who think they want to direct movies. Hint: I am former film school student and a documentary filmmaker. The overdone portrayal of the madness, the insanity, the mental derangement, the insecurities, and the false bravado of both directors and actors will either make you laugh or cringe, but I think this director was going for comedic effect. Anybody remotely associated with the film industry will want to see this movie because you will recognize the archetypes and perhaps specific persons. Bravo for bravery, not the lioness type, but more for therapist induced bravery.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

03/09/24

Full Review

Audience Member

Off the wall entertainment!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

03/09/24

Full Review

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Chelsea Peretti

Director

Chelsea Peretti

Sam

Andy Richter

Sheldon

Amy Poehler

Meg

Kate Berlant

Actor

Benny Drama

Actor

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Synopsis

Aspiring writer Sam (Chelsea Peretti) is thrust into the role of director when the Regis Theatre's director is fired. Hand-picked by the theatre's artistic director, Sheldon (Andy Richter), Sam is asked to direct the Regis' upcoming Southern-inspired play, 'Rain's Comin' In.' Sam dives into the opportunity, and hilarity ensues as she struggles to wrangle the eclectic cast--including classic theater kid Rudy (Benito Skinner); over-trained amateur Clara (Kate Berlant); vain, tech-addict Davina (Meg Stalter); theater vet Marjory (Megan Mullally); acting savant Simon (Jak Knight); and Corden (Blake Anderson), whose minor acting credits give him high status in the company. Barely making it through each rehearsal, Sam vents to her eccentric therapist, Meg (Amy Poehler) and even turns to the Regis' arrogant-but-dorky usher, Robbie (Max Greenfield), for drunken comfort. As Sam struggles to understand why she can't seem to nail her production, she tries different tactics to make her play a success. Will she finally hit it big? Or will being a first-time female director lead her to try a totally different career?

Director: Chelsea Peretti
Producer: Amy Poehler, Deanna Barillari, Chelsea Peretti, Kate Arend, Jordan Grief
Screenwriter: Chelsea Peretti
Distributor: The Roku Channel
Production Co: FOX Entertainment, Paper Kite Productions, MarVista Entertainment
Genre: Comedy
Original Language: English
Release Date (Streaming): Mar 8, 2024
Runtime: 1h 36m