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Cecilia Aldarondo takes the process of reliving adolescent trauma to a literal level in “You were my first boyfriend,” her feature film that sits somewhere between documentary and diaristic recreation. Prompted by her 20-year high school reunion in Winter Park, Florida, Aldarondo pulls back layers of memories and old home movie footage to investigate the significant relationships of her formative years: her first intense crush, her bullies, and her best moments. of childhood. friend and fellow outsider, Caroline.
To confront his demons, Aldarondo recruits a group of child actors to recreate scenes from his high school days (both flashbacks of real events and fantasy sequences) in which Aldarondo portrays his teenage self. The film documents the making of these scenes as much as the final product, a process that can be moving and uncomfortable in equal measure. When Aldarondo contacts the grown-up Joel, the boy she had a crush on for six years, she decides to read a poem she wrote about him during the peak of her obsession, a decision that makes even her current partner, Gabe, cringe. of shame.
However, despite its title, “You Was My First Boyfriend” is at its most effective when Aldarondo goes beyond teenage lust and delves into the more complicated aspects of his upbringing. Her Puerto Rican heritage made her an easy target for bullying at her predominantly white high school, but Aldarondo was not exempt from acting cruel to those around her in order to fit in. She echoes those nuances, among other things, creating an opportunity for…she filmed a new version of Tori Amos’ “Crucify” music video with her sister Laura. It’s crazy enough to work.
you were my first boyfriend
Not qualified. Duration: 1 hour 37 minutes. Watch it on HBO platforms.