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First Time Female Director

Play trailer Poster for First Time Female Director 2023 1h 36m Comedy Play Trailer Watchlist
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36% Tomatometer 14 Reviews 60% 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?
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First Time Female Director

Critics Reviews

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Michael Nordine Variety 03/07/2024
Feels less like a coming-out party for an actual first-time director and more like a case of opening-night jitters. Go to Full Review Valerie Complex Deadline Hollywood Daily 06/22/2023
Although it may stumble under its ambitions, it provides a messy, challenging, insightful, painfully humorous examination of women in entertainment. Go to Full Review Jason Bailey The Playlist 06/17/2023
D+
"First Time Female Director” is a tremendous disappointment because Peretti is such a gifted performer. Go to Full Review Tina Kakadelis Film Obsessive 03/17/2024
There’s so much passion at play here, but it isn’t able to hit a clear homerun. Go to Full Review Stephen Silver Splice Today 03/14/2024
2/5
While there are scattered laughs here or there, it’s never as funny as the premise and the presence of all those hilarious people Go to Full Review Aaron Neuwirth We Live Entertainment 03/13/2024
4/10
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. Go to Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Rachael L Nov 29 It’s genuinely funny but maybe you’re not smart enough to get it so maybe you’ll leave a worse review. Best movie I’ve seen in a long time. See more Alyssa E 04/09/2024 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. See more Sophie 04/03/2024 Found it very funny!! See more Lindsay K 04/02/2024 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. See more Rachel K 03/10/2024 Soooooo baddddd This movie is absolutely terrible. Cast looked good but DO NOT WATCH Straight up awful See more DollarSmart B 03/09/2024 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. See more Read all reviews
First Time Female Director

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Cast & Crew

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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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First Time Female Director

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Movie Info

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
MarVista Entertainment, FOX Entertainment, Paper Kite Productions
Genre
Comedy
Original Language
English
Release Date (Streaming)
Mar 8, 2024
Runtime
1h 36m
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