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The Novice

  • 2021
  • R
  • 1h 37m
IMDb RATING
6.5/10
7.5K
YOUR RATING
The Novice (2021)
A queer college freshman 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.
Play trailer2:08
2 Videos
18 Photos
Psychological DramaWater SportDramaSport

A college freshman 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.A college freshman 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.A college freshman 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.

  • Director
    • Lauren Hadaway
  • Writer
    • Lauren Hadaway
  • Stars
    • Isabelle Fuhrman
    • Amy Forsyth
    • Dilone
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • IMDb RATING
    6.5/10
    7.5K
    YOUR RATING
    • Director
      • Lauren Hadaway
    • Writer
      • Lauren Hadaway
    • Stars
      • Isabelle Fuhrman
      • Amy Forsyth
      • Dilone
    • 66User reviews
    • 81Critic reviews
    • 85Metascore
  • See production info at IMDbPro
    • Awards
      • 4 wins & 11 nominations total

    Videos2

    Official Trailer
    Trailer 2:08
    Official Trailer
    The Novice
    Trailer 2:08
    The Novice
    The Novice
    Trailer 2:08
    The Novice

    Photos17

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    Top cast56

    Edit
    Isabelle Fuhrman
    Isabelle Fuhrman
    • Alex
    Amy Forsyth
    Amy Forsyth
    • Jamie
    Dilone
    Dilone
    • Dani
    Jonathan Cherry
    Jonathan Cherry
    • Coach Pete
    Kate Drummond
    Kate Drummond
    • Coach Edwards
    Charlotte Ubben
    Charlotte Ubben
    • Erin
    Sage Irvine
    • Janssen
    Chantelle Bishop
    Chantelle Bishop
    • Highsmith
    Jeni Ross
    Jeni Ross
    • Winona
    Nikki Duval
    Nikki Duval
    • Try-Hard
    Eve Kanyo
    Eve Kanyo
    • Groundman
    Al Bernstein
    • Dean
    Neil Babcock
    • Frat Boy
    Robert Ifedi
    • Bouncer
    Kaileigh Magee
    • Moore
    Jeff Scott Whal
    • Bartender
    Nigel Holt
    • Dani's Guitarist
    Whitney Lu
    • The Paper Shakers (Lead Singer)
    • Director
      • Lauren Hadaway
    • Writer
      • Lauren Hadaway
    • All cast & crew
    • Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

    User reviews66

    6.57.5K
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    Summary

    Reviewers say 'The Novice' delves into obsession and perfectionism in competitive sports, akin to 'Black Swan' and 'Whiplash'. Isabelle Fuhrman's intense performance is lauded, while debut director Lauren Hadaway's work garners mixed reactions—some find it gripping, others criticize its stylization. The depiction of rowing and psychological strain is noted, with varied opinions on authenticity. Pacing, character arcs, and the ending are contentious, splitting viewers between compelling and underwhelming experiences.
    AI-generated from the text of user reviews

    Featured reviews

    4rupcousens

    Never mind the rowlocks

    There's no doubting Isabelle Fuhrman's commitment in the lead, but the material is thin and the film soon becomes a tiresome grind. Her character is so rebarbative that I had as much desire to spend time with her as most of her crewmates. Yes, there's some dramatic potential in the 'effortless achiever' vs 'obsessive striver' tropes, but The Novice finds little nuance to chew over, and the film seems about half an hour longer than its running time.
    8zoomconnect

    Psych

    So many visual cues, the cutting, the scars, and by her own admission, the main character discloses that she had been on a mental health hold via 5150. So not so much as rowing the sport, but a vehicle for acting out. It could've been another similar sport, but rowing as arduous as seen in this film Allows a mentally unstable person to put in motion her demise. Watching this character spiral metaphorically cutting those around her and watching the actress, portraying the behavior and symptoms is some thing special for us all to see so visually, pieces of ourselves teetering on the edge of self destruction. This is a must see for those seeking possibly a portrayal of contemporary mental health issues dismissed in everyday life.
    8jeroduptown

    Desperate Measures

    Novice takes rowing and obsession and makes it incredible. Her drive to be the best is incredibly intense and the cinematography and music are spot on. Her manic way of pursuing life draws you in.
    7Xstal

    The Loneliness of the Long Distance Rower...

    Legs, body, arms, so many things to harm, when you're obsessive and compulsive and you're not close to being calm.

    Turbulent times for an overly dedicated student who's pinned her hopes to the varsity mast, intent on going solo, to hell with the personal cost as she swims against the tide.
    7midnitepantera

    OMG!! This Was Very Good and Made me HATE LORI LOUGHLIN even MORE!!!

    I didn't know much about the sport of rowing and this depiction of the Ginormous amount of blood, sweat, tears, dedication and sacrifice of these athletes left me awestruck!! :O It was a well done story, that cuts to the bone and sad to see the extreme obsession of the main character and a trip and stumble down the rabbit hole into crazytown.

    Half way thru watching I remembered what that B*TCH that played Aunt Becky on Full House did to get her daughter into a college that the kid didn't even want to go to. Photo shopping her into rowing equipment and such. Stealing a spot from a REAL and DESERVING Athlete, who loves the sport and maybe needing a scholarship to be able to even go to college. MAkes me SICK!!! Sorry, but her and her husband shoulda got WAY MORE JAIL time.

    I tip my hat to the REAL women athletes that compete in this sport, because it sure ain't for Sissys!! :O I felt sore and out of breath just watching them!

    Definitely worth a watch!!

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    Storyline

    Edit

    Did you know

    Edit
    • Trivia
      To get in shape for the film, Isabelle Fuhrman underwent an intense training regimen, during which she gained ten pounds of muscle.
    • Quotes

      Alex: Relaxing should be a privilege, not a fucking standard.

    • Connections
      Referenced in Phantom of the Evergreens (2021)
    • Soundtracks
      On Point
      Performed by Old Man Saxon

      Courtesy of Saxon Kincy & Spencer Peterson

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    FAQ18

    • How long is The Novice?Powered by Alexa

    Details

    Edit
    • Release date
      • December 17, 2021 (Canada)
    • Country of origin
      • United States
    • Official sites
      • Instagram
      • Official site
    • Language
      • English
    • Also known as
      • 進擊的地才
    • Filming locations
      • Trent University, Peterborough, Ontario, Canada
    • Production companies
      • Picture Movers Anonymous
      • Co Created Media
      • H2L Media Group
    • See more company credits at IMDbPro

    Box office

    Edit
    • Gross US & Canada
      • $24,322
    • Opening weekend US & Canada
      • $12,301
      • Dec 19, 2021
    • Gross worldwide
      • $144,707
    See detailed box office info on IMDbPro

    Tech specs

    Edit
    • Runtime
      1 hour 37 minutes
    • Color
      • Color
    • Aspect ratio
      • 2.39 : 1

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