Watch The Novice

The Novice is a 2021 film that follows a college freshman, Alex Dall, as she tries to make the varsity rowing team of her university. Alex is portrayed by Isabelle Fuhrman, who brings a gritty and intense energy to the character. The film, directed by Lauren Hadaway, is a coming-of-age sports drama that delves deep into the competitive world of rowing.

At the beginning of the film, Alex is a bright-eyed and ambitious freshman who has never rowed before. She is mesmerized by the varsity rowing team and becomes determined to be a part of it. However, her lack of experience and physical ability puts her at a disadvantage when trying out for the team. Despite this, she perseveres and is eventually accepted as a novice rower.

As Alex trains and competes with her team, she becomes increasingly obsessed with rowing. She pushes herself to the limit and starts to sacrifice everything else in her life for the sport. Her roommate and close friend, Dani, played by Amy Forsyth, tries to reach out to her and help her find balance, but Alex becomes more and more isolated as the film progresses.

The rowing scenes in The Novice are beautifully shot and intense, with the sound design being particularly impressive. The film has a hyperreal aesthetic that makes everything feel raw and visceral. As Alex becomes more consumed by rowing, the camera work becomes more experimental, adding to the film's overall sense of unease.

Dilone gives a standout performance as Danielle, the team's captain. She is tough and intimidating but also has a vulnerability that makes her character all the more compelling. Her relationship with Alex is complicated, as she both admires and resents her newcomer's drive and determination.

The Novice is a powerful film that explores the dark side of ambition and the high-pressure world of college athletics. It addresses themes of perfectionism, mental health, and the lengths that people will go to achieve their dreams. At its core, though, it is a film about a young woman who is struggling to find her place in the world and where she belongs.

Overall, The Novice is a compelling and beautifully crafted film that will leave audiences thinking long after the credits roll. Isabelle Fuhrman gives a gripping and nuanced performance as Alex, and Lauren Hadaway's direction is both stylish and impactful. The supporting cast also shines, with Amy Forsyth and Dilone delivering standout performances. Anyone who has ever been passionate about something will find something to connect with in The Novice. The film is a must-watch for anyone who loves good storytelling and gripping drama.

The Novice is a 2021 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 37 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.5 and a MetaScore of 85.