Director and screenwriter Jonathan Kasdan brings an interesting twist to the normal high school romantic comedy in his 2012 Sundance film "The First Time."

The movie follows Dave, a high school senior, and Aubrey, a junior from a different school, through the events of the weekend in which they meet. Both with rather quirky personalities and investments in other people, the two soon realize the difficulty and complication that can come with falling in love for the first time.

Kasdan admitted in the Q&A after the screening that many aspects of the film were based on his high school experiences.

"I have been the kid pacing in the back alley behind a party [the opening scene, where the audience meets Dave], and I have been the loner doing arts in my room [Aubrey's favorite activity]," said Kasdan.

This personal twist is what makes the film so touching. It reminds us that most relationships aren't what we see in movies--that losing your virginity doesn't have to be in a candle-lit room with rose petals covering the bed sheets, that love at first sight isn't always the case, and that sometimes feelings aren't straightforward.

Dylan O'Brian and Britt Robertson, the two lead actors, did an amazing job at portraying the awkwardness that accompanies your first serious love interest, and Kasdan assured the audience it wasn't all just acting.

"The reason I cast these two was because there was a spark between them," said Kasdan, "Their attraction towards each other was what really made the film genuine."

"The First Time" captures the reality behind high school relationships, making it a fresh take on the boy-meets-girl story, and a must see for the 2012 Film Festival.