‘First Time Female Director’ Review: Chelsea Peretti Gets Opening-Night Jitters in Her Own Directorial Debut
variety.comMichael Nordine “I’m a director,” Sam Clifford (Chelsea Peretti) says in front of the mirror after landing her first gig directing a play she’s written. “I’m a director.
I’m a director.” Whether she’s trying to convince herself or the ensemble of actors she’s pretending to address is easy to discern, especially given the circumstances of her hiring: Sam’s predecessor was relieved of his duties due to inappropriate workplace relationships and a female replacement is “the medicine we need.” Peretti wrote, directed, produced and stars in “First Time Female Director,” which feels less like a coming-out party for an actual first-time director and more like a case of opening-night jitters.
Reminiscent of last year’s “Theater Camp” in its affectionate sendup of the theater experience, which was likewise by and for those immersed in this world, the film struggles to find its footing at nearly every step of the way.
But if it’s only occasionally ha-ha funny, it’s also a clear passion project for Peretti and her cast — albeit one it’s hard to share in their enthusiasm for.
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