Extreme close-ups dominate Rafael Ruiz Espejo’s sexually-charged and uncompromising first feature, The Last First Time (El fin de las primeras veces), which centers on Eduardo (charismatic newcomer Alejandro Quintana), a teen from a small Mexican town who journeys to the big city of Guadalajara to take a college entrance exam and finds a lot more than he expected (but perhaps, just as much as he had hoped for?)
Eduardo steps off his bus and, almost immediately meets flippy-haired cutie Mario (Carlos E. López Cervantes, perfecting his swagger) a flirty street stud who talks Eduardo into going to his place for sex and, instead, they walk in on a surprise birthday party! It’s one of the many narrative detours Espejo tosses our way—not that there’s much story, mind you. Eduardo seems fascinated by just how accepting Mario’s family is of his bringing home a boy.
Post-birthday celebration Eduardo finds himself exploring and pushing his sexual boundaries with Mario and his gang, despite the fact that his mother keeps calling from back home, demanding he return ASAP, and threatening to keep him from attending college. The way Eduardo finally silences his phone is hilarious and telling. We are never told exactly what’s up mom’s ass, but we can easily assume it has something to do with her son’s being attracted to men.
The Last First Time is an oft-told tale but what separates it from the myriad of coming-of-age gay flicks is the film’s intensity and how it refuses to shy away from explicit sexual situations in order to make het audiences more comfortable. And just how steadfast the camera is in capturing Eduardo’s every move and expression.
This atmospheric gem relies heavily on DP Bruno Herrera’s intimate camerawork Espejo and Herrera bathe the film in neon, especially during the club scenes where blues and reds help intensify the storytelling.
There’s also a gnawing sense of foreboding throughout.
Espejo is telling the story of one boy’s first sexual encounter, fraught with joy, anxiety, confusion and abandon. We’re not sure what will happen to Eduardo once he gets back home, but we can be sure he’s not the same person that left. And that’s some comfort. Or is it?
