Cecilia Aldarondo explores the process of confronting adolescent trauma in a very literal way in her feature “You Were My First Boyfriend,” which falls somewhere between documentary and personal re-enactment. Inspired by her 20-year high school reunion in Winter Park, Fla., Aldarondo delves into layers of memories and old home-movie footage to examine the significant relationships of her formative years: her first intense crush, her bullies, and her childhood best friend and fellow outsider, Caroline.
To confront her demons, Aldarondo enlists a group of child actors to recreate scenes from her high school experience – both real memories and fantasy sequences – with Aldarondo portraying her own teenage self. The film documents the process of creating these scenes as much as the final product, which can be both touching and awkward. When Aldarondo reconnects with 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 even makes her current partner, Gabe, feel embarrassed.
However, despite its title, “You Were My First Boyfriend” is most compelling when Aldarondo delves into the more complex aspects of her upbringing. Her Puerto Rican heritage made her a target for bullying at her predominantly white high school, and Aldarondo also grapples with the fact that she was not exempt from acting cruel to fit in. She explores these nuances by, among other things, creating a shot-for-shot remake of Tori Amos’s “Crucify” music video with her sister Laura. It’s just unique enough to resonate.
You Were My First Boyfriend
Not rated. Running time: 1 hour 37 minutes. Watch on HBO platforms.