The Novice

Driven by the extraordinary work of Lauren Hadaway, which relies on a frenzied montage and sound design that reinforces the protagonist's psychological distortion, the film talks about competitiveness when it becomes an obsession, crafting a thriller in which the enemy is the protagonist herself (Isabelle Fuhrman offers depth to her character). An intense film, which narrates a painful process of self-destruction.

Super intense take of self destructive, obsessive motivation. Brilliantly acted.
I felt like a right slob watching it with my wine and crisps. Hitting the gym in the morning.

_“Second best.”_

oh spontaneous combustion immediately. asap.

As already said by most, this is basically taking Whiplash and Black Swan, but applying it to college rowing. And it does it fantastically. Claustrophobic, frantic, tense; The Novice really is a fantastic debut for Hadaway, and an amazing performance showpiece for Isabelle Fuhrman. The Novice asks questions of obsession, work ethic, trust and self loathing while facing the harsh realities of those that push themselves too far in the name of greatness. Great movie.

The film is very well directed, the setting and the photography are top-notch. The main concern is that the plot is quite unrealistic: I would expect that even in the United States (of course in Europe such things may never happen, of if they do there would be a participated judicial case) the coaches and the university staff should have prevented what is shown and urgently direct the patient to counseling or even medical care.

The acting is on point, the camerawork is great, but the story doesn't always convince. Still worth a watch though.