The Novice

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2:01

The Novice

R

2021

1h 34m

Mystery & Thriller

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

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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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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Wendy Ide

Observer (UK)

04/04/2022

5/5

I can’t wait to see – and hear – what [Hadaway] does next.

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Elizabeth Wiart

Little White Lies

04/01/2022

4/5

A hard hitting look inside the body and mind of a compulsive perfectionist.

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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.

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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.

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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...

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William Stottor

Loud and Clear Reviews

07/18/2024

4/5

A breathless and harrowing journey through physical and psychological self-torture.

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Ben W

@Username618 Nov 19

No option to delete my review. Put the stars in the middle. sorry. Today was Dec 26th 2025.

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Nathan M

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.

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Pinoy Short R

@emill_santos Apr 9

Sayang oras. Napakalayo naman sa Whiplash.

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Donnette T

Apr 4

I felt like I was back in Middle School watching some film by some angsty pre-teen. Barforama

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Les N

12/18/2024

Good....I guess? Depressing, sure

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Addison C

05/04/2024

As a collegiate rower myself, this is one of the most honest rowing movies out there. The main character, Alex, is a dramatic character for sure but it lends well to the intense nature of the sport. The portrayal of the technical aspects was spot on and the jagged jumps and cuts and time blends really did a beautiful job at capturing the essence of practice. I was expecting some more trigger warnings needed but still, very intense movie. 5 stars for sure

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Lauren Hadaway

Director

Isabelle Fuhrman

Alex Dall

Amy Forsyth

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The Novice: Trailer 1

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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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