Deadline

"A star is born performance... this movie belongs to Emanuelle, who is clearly a star in the making. Her athletic prowess is impressive, but not nearly as much as what she is able to bring to the heartbreaking world of Monique. "

Los Angeles Times

"it all works because of Emanuelle. The actress is a tightly wound bundle of raw nerves, exposing each dimension of the teen’s emotions as she moves from sullen to fierce to vulnerable. "

Refinery 29

"Once in a while, a movie comes along with a breakout star so impressive, you just know they're going to make waves. Mark my words, this year that movie is First Match, and that star is newcomer

Variety

"a defiance the excellent Emanuelle channels even in the way she walks. ...Emanuelle manages to make us care about this bullying girl without pleading for sympathy. The tougher her character acts, the more we appreciate her show of bravado."

New York Times

“…played with vivid ferocity ...Emanuelle’s performance as Mo is certainly spectacular...”

Vice

"Emanuelle’s nuanced performance plays Mo’s tenacity with the pulse of desperation, an itching desire to be loved thrumming beneath the surface of her every impulse and decision."

Hollywood Reporter

"Emanuelle’s shifts in body language and demeanor make Mo’s navigation of all this compelling."

IGN

"Elvire Emanuelle breathes life into this character"

IndieWire

"raw and beautifully well-realized,"

Daily Journal

"Emanuelle gives a stunning performance of what it means to stay strong and persistent when the world around hands you nothing but hardships."

RogerEbert.com

"Emanuelle’s excellent performance, leads to sympathy for Monique’s terrible choices."