The Bite Magazine - Autumn/Winter 2025 - Issue 38

bitefilmreview Videos courtesy of Polymath PR H olly S horts L ondon 2025 First Timer T he coming-of-age drama First Timer , directed by Hannah Kelso, introduc- es Meghan, a young home carer navigating her first week in a demanding new role. Tasked with visiting Bonnie, an older woman whose outlook on personal care is refreshing and challenging, Meghan confronts the realities of re- sponsibility, vulnerability, and the unexpected intimacy of caregiving. What be- gins as a routine assignment quickly becomes a formative experience, as Bonnie’s spirited approach forces Meghan to question her own assumptions and adapt with empathy and resilience. The film explores themes of generational difference, dignity, and the delicate bal- ance between professional duty and human connection. It captures the awkward- ness and tenderness of first encounters, highlighting how care work is as much about listening and learning as it is about providing support. With its intimate focus and nuanced performances, First Timer offers a heartfelt glimpse into the complexities of caregiving, revealing the humour and the poignancy that arise when two lives intersect in such a personal space. While there is no trailer currently available for the short film, audiences can gain a sense of Kelso’s distinctive style through her previous short, Night Of The Living Dread, which earned her a BAFTA nomination. This pedigree underscores the director’s ability to blend sharp observation with emotional resonance, promis- ing that First Timer will deliver a similarly thoughtful and compelling narrative.