Spotlight: ‘First One In’ Gina O’Brien’s Directorial Debut

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After accidentally killing an endangered animal on a popular reality TV show, Madi Cooke (Kat Foster) loses more than just her job. She believes she has become the most hated woman in America. In an attempt to regain control of her own story, she changes her look and last name to interview the #1 real estate firm in Connecticut owned by mean girl Bobbi (Georgia King). Their relationship starts off friendly only to turn competitive real soon. Will Madi regain her confidence and beat this mean girl at her own game?

In First One In, Madi gets a chance to find a way to forgive herself and find a new path to create a new life. She gets a new job only to find out her new boss is mean, competitive, and conniving.

After she hires Madi, Bobbi soon asks her to join her tennis team for the local community tournament. Soon enough, this partnership proves futile. Bobbi is set on crushing Madi on and off the court.

Toronto Arts & Culture — Kat Foster (Madi) & Georgia King (Bobbi) in *First One In*

In order to beat Bobbi at her own game, Madi must brush up on her tennis skills by attending a local clinic where a group of women let off some steam every week – Jane (Catherine Curtin), Ceecee (Emy Coligado), Preeti (Aneesh Sheth) and Valentina (Karina Arroyave) all together embody the kind of energy Madi needs to get over this hump.

Soon enough, the group of women see they have potential and are ready to compete against Bobbi’s top-notch team at the local community finals. The group is cheered along thanks to the ever motivational coach Fernando (Josh Segarra) and Madi’s bestie Olli (Alana O’Brien), who is a substitute player but also a cheerleader for the group.

First One In contains dry humour, relatable characters, and a very excellent ensemble cast. Foster and King play really well as antagonists, but frankly, the women in the clinic round up the film and make it whole. Come for the laughter, stay for the competition, camaraderie, and friendship.

I had the pleasure of speaking with writer and director Gina O’Brien about the film’s story, its cast, and much more. Click below for the full interview.