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The Novice

Play trailer 2:01 Poster for The Novice R 2021 1h 34m Mystery & Thriller Play Trailer Watchlist
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92% Tomatometer 88 Reviews 70% Popcornmeter 100+ Ratings
Isabelle Fuhrman (Orphan) plays Alex Dall, a queer college freshman who joins her university's rowing team and undertakes an obsessive physical and psychological journey to make it to the top varsity boat, no matter the cost. Intent on outperforming her teammates, Alex pushes herself to her limits-and beyond, alienating everyone around her in the name of success. Furhman's fierce lead performance collides with Lauren Hadaway's bold direction and dynamic editing, creating a visceral window into a cutthroat world. Stylish cinematography and a seductive soundtrack complete the experience, evoking the romance and danger of falling in love; the attraction, the drama and the fallout. This unapologetic debut from Hadaway, based on her personal experience as a competitive collegiate rower, heralds a bold new voice in queer storytelling. If you liked Whiplash, this one's for you.
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The Novice

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Critics Consensus

A remarkable first feature for writer-director Lauren Hadaway, The Novice paints a thrilling -- and disturbing -- portrait of obsession.

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Critics Reviews

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Wendy Ide Observer (UK) 04/04/2022
5/5
I can’t wait to see – and hear – what [Hadaway] does next. Go to Full Review Elizabeth Wiart Little White Lies 04/01/2022
4/5
A hard hitting look inside the body and mind of a compulsive perfectionist. Go to Full Review Linda Marric The Jewish Chronicle 03/31/2022
5/5
Hadaway delivers an engaging queer psychological thriller which delves deep into the destructive nature of obsessive-compulsive behaviour. Go to Full Review Sammie Purcell Rough Draft Atlanta Jul 28
Hadaway’s unnerving film tells a familiar story from an unfamiliar perspective, using uncanny sound design and camera work to show the dark side of obsession, resulting in a psychological thriller about an underdog who can’t quite make the cut. Go to Full Review David Nusair Reel Film Reviews Jul 28
1/4
...potentially stirring subject matter that’s employed to progressively underwhelming (and flat-out interminable) effect by Hadaway... Go to Full Review William Stottor Loud and Clear Reviews 07/18/2024
4/5
A breathless and harrowing journey through physical and psychological self-torture. Go to Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Gabriel-Alan @NecronomiconNotes Mar 2 Feels like Black Swan on no sleep and too much pressure. This isn’t about rowing. It’s about that sinking feeling when almost good enough follows you everywhere. Fuhrman makes the spiral feel real. See more Ben W @Username618 Nov 19 Found this fairly gripping. See more Nathan M @RT31632855 Sep 7 Just an incredible movie from start to end. A Joaquin Phoenix Joker-like performance from Fuhrman where you can tell she was so invested in the character. A tough watch at times emotionally, but a movie you need to watch 2 or 3 times to fully appreciate. See more Pinoy Short R @emill_santos Apr 9 Sayang oras. Napakalayo naman sa Whiplash. See more Donnette T @RT31869467 04/04/2025 I felt like I was back in Middle School watching some film by some angsty pre-teen. Barforama See more Les N @Vegas628 12/18/2024 Good....I guess? Depressing, sure See more Read all reviews
The Novice

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Cast & Crew

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Lauren Hadaway

Director

Isabelle Fuhrman

Alex Dall

Amy Forsyth

Jamie Brill

Dilone

Dani

Kate Drummond

Coach Edwards

Jonathan Cherry

Coach Pete

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The Novice

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The Novice

The Novice (2021) View more photos

Movie Info

Synopsis Isabelle Fuhrman (Orphan) plays Alex Dall, a queer college freshman who joins her university's rowing team and undertakes an obsessive physical and psychological journey to make it to the top varsity boat, no matter the cost. Intent on outperforming her teammates, Alex pushes herself to her limits-and beyond, alienating everyone around her in the name of success. Furhman's fierce lead performance collides with Lauren Hadaway's bold direction and dynamic editing, creating a visceral window into a cutthroat world. Stylish cinematography and a seductive soundtrack complete the experience, evoking the romance and danger of falling in love; the attraction, the drama and the fallout. This unapologetic debut from Hadaway, based on her personal experience as a competitive collegiate rower, heralds a bold new voice in queer storytelling. If you liked Whiplash, this one's for you.
Director
Lauren Hadaway
Producer
Ryan Hawkins, Kari Hollend, Steven Sims, Zack Zucker
Screenwriter
Lauren Hadaway
Distributor
IFC Films
Production Co
Picture Movers Anonymous, H2L Media Group, Exit Strategy Productions
Rating
R (Some Sexuality|Language|Brief Disturbing Material)
Genre
Mystery & Thriller
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Dec 17, 2021, Limited
Release Date (Streaming)
Dec 17, 2021
Box Office (Gross USA)
$23.0K
Runtime
1h 34m
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