Watch The Novice

The Novice is a dramatic film directed by Lauren Hadaway and released in 2021. The story follows a young woman named Alex Dall (played by Isabelle Fuhrman) as she navigates the difficult and punishing world of collegiate rowing. Alex is a freshman at a prestigious university and has never rowed before, but she is determined to make the varsity team and excel at the sport.

The film explores Alex's intense and grueling training regimen, as well as the relationships she forms with her fellow rowers and her coach. Alex quickly becomes obsessed with rowing, pushing herself to her physical and mental limits in pursuit of her goals. However, her single-minded focus on the sport begins to take a toll on her personal life, as she neglects her studies and her relationships with her family and friends.

As Alex struggles to balance her passion for rowing with her other responsibilities, she also has to deal with the intense competition and pressure within the team. The varsity crew is made up of competitive and driven athletes who are all vying for the same spots on the boat. Alex's determination and talent earn her a place on the varsity team, but she soon discovers that the pressure and expectations are even greater at that level.

Throughout the film, Alex's relationships with her teammates and her coach are tested as she pushes herself to the brink of exhaustion. She begins to question whether the sacrifices she's making for rowing are worth it, and whether she's truly happy pursuing this dream. As the season progresses and the team prepares for the biggest regatta of the year, Alex has to decide whether to continue down this path or to chart a new course for herself.

The Novice is a powerful and emotionally charged film that explores the themes of ambition, sacrifice, and self-discovery. Isabelle Fuhrman gives a raw and nuanced performance as Alex, capturing the character's drive, vulnerabilities, and inner turmoil. The film also features strong supporting performances from Amy Forsyth as Alex's roommate and fellow rower, Kate Drummond as the varsity coach, and newcomer Maddie Phillips as one of Alex's chief rivals on the team.

The film's cinematography is striking, showcasing the beauty and brutality of rowing as a sport. The rowing scenes are especially impressive, capturing the power and precision of the athletes as they power through the water. The film's soundtrack, which features a mix of indie rock and electronic music, adds to the film's overall energy and intensity.

Overall, The Novice is a gripping and thought-provoking film that is sure to resonate with anyone who has ever struggled to balance their passions with their obligations. It's a powerful reminder of the sacrifices that come with pursuing one's dreams, and of the importance of being true to oneself in the face of intense pressure and competition.

The Novice is a 2017 drama with a runtime of 29 minutes.