Use it to stress someone's or something's complete involvement, without missing any part. The director was committed to the film's success from first to last.
Pro Tip 2/3
Time Span
Implies a process or event with a clear beginning and end point. The biography chronicled his life from first to last.
Pro Tip 3/3
Narrative Sequence
Often used to describe following a story or sequence of events without skipping parts. I read the entire series from first to last during summer break.