When We First Met (2018) is a delightful romantic comedy with a clever fantasy twist that breathes new life into familiar genre tropes. The film follows Noah (Adam Devine), who meets the perfect woman, Avery (Alexandra Daddario), at a Halloween party, only to be relegated to the friend zone. Three years later, as she prepares to marry another man, Noah discovers a magical photo booth that allows him to travel back to that fateful night, giving him repeated chances to rewrite their story.

Director Ari Sandel brings a lighthearted touch to the time-loop premise, creating a film that's both funny and surprisingly heartfelt. Adam Devine delivers an endearing performance as the lovelorn Noah, perfectly balancing comedic desperation with genuine vulnerability. Alexandra Daddario shines as Avery, bringing depth to what could have been a one-dimensional manic pixie dream girl archetype. Their chemistry drives the film's emotional core.

What sets When We First Met apart from other romantic comedies is its exploration of friendship versus romance and whether changing the past truly leads to happiness. The supporting cast, including Shelley Hennig and Andrew Bachelor, provide excellent comedic relief while adding meaningful layers to the narrative. With its 97-minute runtime, the film maintains perfect pacing—never dragging while allowing character development to feel earned.

Viewers should watch When We First Met for its charming blend of romance, humor, and fantasy elements. It offers the satisfying wish-fulfillment of second chances while delivering thoughtful messages about authenticity and self-discovery. The film's clever script and strong performances make it an enjoyable watch for fans of lighthearted romantic comedies with a twist.