Watch First Comes Love

First Comes Love is a 2013 documentary film directed by and starring Nina Davenport. The film follows Davenport's personal journey as she confronts her decision to have a child as a single mother at the age of 41. The documentary explores the challenges and joys of parenthood, particularly in the context of unconventional family structures.

Davenport, a successful independent filmmaker, has always wanted to have a child but hasn't found the right partner. She decides to become pregnant using a sperm donor, and the film follows her as she prepares for motherhood. The documentary primarily takes place in and around Davenport's home in New York City, and focuses on the practical aspects of preparing for a baby - from doctor's appointments, to baby gear shopping, to creating a registry.

But the film is also a deeply personal exploration of Davenport's motivations, fears, and desires. Over the course of the film, she grapples with whether she is ready for motherhood, whether she has made the right decision, and whether she will be able to handle the challenges of being a single parent. She talks openly about her own family background, including her parents' divorce and her mother's mental illness, and reflects on how these experiences have shaped her.

In addition to Davenport, the film features several other key players in her life, including her younger sister Gennie, her friend Amy, and her father. Gennie is also pregnant at the same time as Davenport, and the two sisters often commiserate about the physical and emotional challenges of pregnancy. Amy is going through her own romantic and family struggles, and serves as a sounding board for Davenport's anxieties. And Davenport's father, a retired lawyer in his 80s, offers wry advice about parenthood and life in general.

One of the most interesting aspects of the film is its portrayal of the changing nature of families and parenthood. Davenport's decision to become a single mother by choice is still relatively uncommon, but the documentary shows how it is increasingly an option for women who want to have children but haven't found a partner. The film also features interviews with other single mothers and fathers by choice, as well as experts in fertility and parenting, who offer context and commentary on Davenport's story.

Throughout the film, Davenport's personality and wit shine through, making the documentary an engaging and often humorous exploration of a deeply personal subject. She is unafraid to show her vulnerability, and her honesty is both refreshing and relatable. The film also features some stunning documentary footage, including Davenport's trips to her childhood home in Massachusetts and her travels to Denmark to learn more about the country's social policies around family and child care.

Ultimately, First Comes Love is a moving and insightful exploration of one woman's journey to parenthood. It is a tribute to the power of personal choice and the resilience of the human spirit, and is sure to touch the hearts of anyone who has grappled with the challenges and joys of family.

First Comes Love is a 2013 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 45 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.5 and a MetaScore of 48.