After returning, Nena confesses to Drew about the kiss. Freaked out by Drew’s possible response, he says on board…if that’s what she wants. Sensing Nena’s unspoken connection with Olivia, he invites her to have drinks with them. The night leads to a three-way, and soon Olivia moves in with the couple. There’s an interesting dynamic that develops between these three imperfect people, both positive and negative, that’s not worth spoiling. Watch the movie.
Let me start by saying that the story leading up to the first “date” felt to me like an afternoon-special with a very convenient narrative and overly expository dialogue. It also is an indie film with a small budget feel to it. But once the three-way relationship kicks in, the story takes off. I love films, in general, that dive deep into the human psyche and attempts to explain our behavior (why we do what we do) and the portrayal of very complicated people. This is how I’d describe First Blush.
“…a great deal of thought into his characters—in both their personalities, how they relate to one another, and the conflicts they face.”
To me, it’s clear that Neumark put a great deal of thought into his characters—in both their personalities, how they relate to one another, and the conflicts they face. He gives each character a reason to not only “be,” but “thrive” in this relationship. He’s also thought about the ramifications that it would have on his emotionally-damaged characters. He then adds a layer by comparing couples like Nena and Drew, who, in a way, “evolved” into this situation versus those who use it as a way to “spice things up.”
First Blush will sneak up on you with how good it is. I don’t claim to know anything about three-way relationships, and I still don’t. Neumark presents the issues as they are—a great way to get your point across without getting preachy. What I appreciate is, rather than go the “Hollywood” route of depicting a sexually-charged swinger couple, Neumark presents real people with imperfections. They’re just trying to make sense of their worlds, and a symbiotic and unconventional relationship develops as a result.
"…trying to make sense of their worlds, and a symbiotic and unconventional relationship develops..."
