The Novice

Play trailer

2:01

The Novice

R

2021

1h 34m

Mystery & Thriller

Play Trailer

Watchlist

Watchlist

Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

92%

Tomatometer

88 Reviews

71%

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.

Watch on Fandango

Stream Now

Critics Consensus

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

Read Critics Reviews

Wendy Ide

Observer (UK)

Apr 4, 2022

5/5

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

Go to Full Review

Elizabeth Wiart

Little White Lies

Apr 1, 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

Mar 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, 2025

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, 2025

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

Jul 18, 2024

4/5

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

Go to Full Review

Read all reviews

Gabriel-Alan

@NecronomiconNotes Mar 2, 2026

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, 2025

Found this fairly gripping.

See more

Nathan M

@RT31632855 Sep 7, 2025

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, 2025

Sayang oras. Napakalayo naman sa Whiplash.

See more

Donnette T

@RT31869467 Apr 4, 2025

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

See more

Les N

@Vegas628 Dec 18, 2024

Good....I guess? Depressing, sure

See more

Read all reviews

Read More

Read Less

WRITE A REVIEW

EDIT REVIEW

POST RATING

Lauren Hadaway

Director

Isabelle Fuhrman

Alex Dall

Amy Forsyth

Jamie Brill

Dilone

Dani

Kate Drummond

Coach Edwards

Jonathan Cherry

Coach Pete

Jane

75%

68%

Jane

Watchlist

TRAILER

for Jane

Unhinged

49%

77%

Unhinged

Watchlist

TRAILER

for Unhinged

Alice, Darling

84%

42%

Alice, Darling

Watchlist

TRAILER

for Alice, Darling

The Last Breath

31%

30%

The Last Breath

Watchlist

TRAILER

for The Last Breath

Kimi

92%

59%

Kimi

Watchlist

TRAILER

for Kimi

Discover more movies and TV shows.

View More

2022 Film Independent Spirit Awards Nominations

The Novice: Trailer 1

2:01

Now Playing

View more videos

View more photos

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

Join The Newsletter

Join The Newsletter

Cookie Settings