The First Monday in May Christian Review

Imagine a world where creativity reigns supreme, where design transforms fabric into dreams, and where the air is thick with the anticipation of rubbing elbows with the most glamorous people alive. That’s the Met Gala—a night so indulgent, so iconic, that it feels less like an event and more like a myth. The First Monday in May invites you behind the curtain of this fabled spectacle, offering a front-row seat to its chaos, its beauty, and, yes, its unmistakable vanity.

For Christians, this documentary presents a bit of a conundrum. On the one hand, it’s an ode to human creativity—a reflection of God’s own creative spark imprinted on us. But on the other hand, it’s a cautionary tale about what happens when beauty and talent become commodities, traded in the marketplace of egos and status.

Behind the Curtain: The Chaos of Creation

From the very beginning, the film grips you with its sheer scale. This isn’t just a party; it’s a machine, and Anna Wintour is its polished, uncompromising operator. The documentary introduces us to the team behind the Met Gala, each one laser-focused on creating the perfect blend of art, fashion, and fantasy. Andrew Bolton, the mastermind behind the museum exhibit tied to the event, becomes the quiet hero of the story. You can feel his passion for curating something meaningful, even as the larger-than-life event threatens to swallow his work whole.

But here’s the thing: beneath the dazzling exterior, there’s an undercurrent of tension, a sense that this isn’t just about celebrating art. It’s about selling it. It’s about power. The film doesn’t shy away from this reality. Instead, it lets you sit in the discomfort of watching creativity bow to commerce.

For Christians, this is where the documentary begins to feel like a parable. We’re reminded of how often our God-given gifts are hijacked by the world’s systems, turned into tools for profit or self-glorification. The Met Gala is a spectacle, yes, but it’s also a business—and that tension lingers in every frame.

The Fantasy of Fashion

If there’s one thing The First Monday in May gets right, it’s the fantasy of fashion. The costumes are breathtaking, the craftsmanship impeccable, and the vision behind each piece utterly captivating. There’s a moment when Rihanna steps onto the red carpet in a dress so opulent, so perfectly aligned with the event’s theme, that you can’t help but gasp. It’s a reminder of fashion’s power to transcend the ordinary, to transform mere cloth into something that speaks to the soul.

And yet, even in its most magical moments, the documentary hints at the emptiness beneath the glamour. These costumes, as exquisite as they are, exist in a bubble. They’re not meant to change the world; they’re meant to dazzle it, to hold its attention for one fleeting night before fading into the archives.

This is where Christians might feel a tug of dissonance. Beauty is a gift, a reflection of the divine, but it’s meant to point us toward something greater. When beauty becomes an end in itself, it risks becoming idolatry—a golden calf draped in couture. Watching The First Monday in May, you can’t help but wonder: Is this art pointing us toward the Creator, or is it simply an exercise in vanity?

The Cult of Celebrity

No discussion of the Met Gala—or this documentary—would be complete without addressing the role of celebrity. From the moment the guest list is revealed, the event becomes less about the art and more about the people wearing it. The filmmakers lean into this, giving us glimpses of stars like Beyoncé, Kim Kardashian, and Rihanna, while largely ignoring the deeper stories behind the costumes they wear.

It’s fascinating, of course. Who doesn’t want to see how the other half lives, to peek behind the curtain of fame? But it’s also a little unsettling. These celebrities are elevated to near-godlike status, their every move scrutinized and celebrated. And while the film doesn’t openly critique this dynamic, it doesn’t shy away from showing its absurdity, either.

As Christians, this is where the documentary becomes a mirror. How often do we find ourselves drawn into the cult of celebrity, giving our attention and admiration to people whose lives are as fragile and flawed as our own? Fame, like beauty, is fleeting. It’s a reminder of Jesus’ words in Matthew 6:19: “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal.”

The Hollow Core

For all its beauty and spectacle, The First Monday in May ultimately feels hollow. The film touches on big questions—about art, commerce, and cultural appropriation—but it never digs deep enough to answer them. There’s a moment near the end where a staff member casually admits that the Met Gala isn’t really about raising money for the arts; it’s about leveraging celebrity to sell magazines. It’s a striking admission, one that cuts through the film’s glossy surface and exposes the machinery beneath.

But rather than lean into this critique, the documentary backs away, retreating into its comfort zone of gorgeous visuals and insider access. It’s frustrating, because you can see the potential for a deeper, more meaningful exploration. Instead, you’re left with a sense that the film, like the event it chronicles, is more interested in style than substance.

A Christian Perspective: Beauty and Balance

So, where does that leave us? As Christians, how do we engage with a film like The First Monday in May?

First, we can celebrate the creativity on display. The costumes, the artistry, the sheer imagination of it all—these are gifts from God, reflections of His own boundless creativity. But we also need to approach the film with discernment. It’s a reminder of how easily beauty can be twisted into something self-serving, how quickly our God-given gifts can become idols.

Ultimately, The First Monday in May is a film that dazzles but doesn’t satisfy. It offers a glimpse into a world of incredible artistry but stops short of asking the hard questions about what that artistry is for. For fashion lovers, it’s a feast. But for those looking for something deeper, it’s likely to leave you hungry.

Final Thoughts

The First Monday in May is a spectacle—a glittering, intoxicating glimpse into a world most of us will never inhabit. It’s a celebration of creativity, yes, but also a cautionary tale about the dangers of elevating beauty and fame above all else.

For Christians, it’s a reminder to keep our eyes on what truly matters. The treasures of this world, no matter how dazzling, are nothing compared to the eternal glory of God. And while it’s fine to appreciate the artistry on display, we should never lose sight of the Creator who gave us the ability to create in the first place.

So watch it, if you’re curious. Marvel at the beauty, but don’t get lost in it. Remember that true beauty isn’t found in couture or celebrity—it’s found in the One who made us in His image.

Rating: 6/10