First Match (2018)

First Match (2018)

⭐ 7.0/10
📅 Premiered at SXSW March 2018; Netflix streaming release later in 2018
⏱️ 100 minutes

First Match (2018) was released in 1970. The main lead cast includes: Elvire Emanuelle, Eliezer Molina (Jesse), Lil’ P-Nut, Camila Perez, Chrissy Perez, Luis Moncada, Kevin Hernandez. The movie was created by the producer(s) Jon Cordova, Enrique Mosqueda, Zander Weaver and director(s) Olivia Newman. It was made with an estimated budget of Independent/Modest (not publicly listed). It had box office revenue of approximately Limited festival and digital release; minimal theatrical numbers at the box office. The main genres of this movie are the following: Coming-of-age, Sports drama, Family drama. It is available in the following languages: English, Spanish.

×

First Match, written and directed by Olivia Newman, tells the story of Monique, a tough, determined Brooklyn teen who joins the all-boys wrestling team to reconnect with her estranged father. As she wrestles both literally and emotionally, the film explores the intersections of abandonment, resilience, and self-worth. With a gritty realism and a powerful lead performance by Elvire Emanuelle, First Match avoids cliché, offering a layered portrayal of a girl trying to take control of her life. It’s a raw, emotional, and inspiring drama about fighting for connection and belonging in a world that often feels stacked against you.

Content Continues After Ad

First Match Casts

First Match is a movie featuring a cast of available actors, including:

Content Continues After Ad
Elvire Emanuelle
Elvire Emanuelle
Eliezer Molina (Jesse)
Eliezer Molina (Jesse)
Lil’ P-Nut
Lil’ P-Nut
Camila Perez
Camila Perez
Chrissy Perez
Chrissy Perez
Luis Moncada
Luis Moncada
Kevin Hernandez
Kevin Hernandez

🎬First Match Directors

Olivia Newman

🎭First Match Producers

Jon Cordova
Enrique Mosqueda
Zander Weaver

🎞️Genres

Coming-of-age
Sports drama
Family drama

👥Target Audience

Teens

📖Story

Mary, a troubled Brooklyn teen returning from juvenile hall, joins the boys’ high school wrestling team to reconnect with her estranged father and younger brother, Jesse. As she trains with the team ruled by strict coach and tense male camaraderie, Mary navigates prejudice, self-worth, and the challenge of being accepted on and off the mat. Her bond with Jesse becomes her anchor, and wrestling becomes both literal and emotional struggle toward connection and belonging.

⏱️Duration

100 minutes

🌍Country of Origin

United States

📅Release Date

Premiered at SXSW March 2018; Netflix streaming release later in 2018

📍Shooting Locations

These locations were selected for First Match shooting:

Content Continues After Ad
Brooklyn, New York, USA

🌐Supported Languages

You can watch First Match in multiple languages:

English, Spanish

💰Box Office Performance

Budget
Independent/Modest (not publicly listed)
Box Office
Limited festival and digital release; minimal theatrical numbers

⭐IMDB Rating

Rating for First Match by IMDB:

7.0
/ 10

Similar Movies to First Match (2018)

View All Similar Movies→