‘The First Time I Never Met You’ Short Film Review
Stars: Eric Kole, Renee Bailey, Osy Ikhile, Neferah-Jo Onilude, Kamaiyah Oppong, Victoria Shepherd, Christina Tam | Written and Directed by Eric Kole
In The First Time I Never Met You, writer/director Eric Kole crafts a short film that lingers long after the final frame… a gentle, aching meditation on the strange intimacy of strangers, and the profound connections we sometimes forge without ever exchanging a word.
At its heart, the film examines the magnetic pull between two people whose lives briefly intersect but never quite collide. Kole’s screenplay is economical yet emotionally resonant, relying heavily on suggestion rather than exposition. Through fleeting glances, missed opportunities, and wordless longing, The First Time I Never Met You evokes a full spectrum of emotions with remarkable efficiency, a testament to Kole’s strength in visual storytelling.
Stylistically, the film pays careful attention to framing and pacing. Each shot feels deliberate, capturing the small but meaningful moments that, in lesser hands, might feel inconsequential. Kole’s direction invites viewers to notice the background hum of existence – the half-smiles, the sidelong looks, the almost imperceptible brushes of fate. This is a film that trusts its audience to fill in the gaps, to bring their own experiences of missed chances and unspoken affection to the viewing.
The performances, understated yet deeply felt, breathe life into the film’s quiet narrative. Without the crutch of heavy dialogue, the actors must convey complex emotions through posture, gesture, and micro-expressions, and they succeed beautifully. Their chemistry is palpable yet restrained, creating a sense of unresolved tension that mirrors the film’s central theme. The result is a film that feels deeply intimate, almost as if the viewer is witnessing something sacred and private.
Thematically, The First Time I Never Met You explores ideas of fate, timing, and the countless alternate lives we might live if only a few small moments had played out differently. It poses haunting questions about the nature of connection in an increasingly fragmented world, where true encounters often seem just out of reach.
At just under fifteen minutes, Kole’s film manages to capture the elusive, bittersweet sensation of knowing someone without ever truly knowing them. It’s a work of quiet power, one that rewards patience and introspection. The First Time I Never Met You confirms Eric Kole as a filmmaker of uncommon sensitivity and a keen observer of the human condition.
****½ 4.5/5
The First Time I Never Met You is highly recommended for those who find beauty in the spaces between words, and meaning in the moments that almost were.
