Review of The Novice (2021) by Bertobellamy — 05 Sep 2023
'The Novice' is a high-tension psychological drama that submerges us into the world of high-competition rowing to show us how a college girl obsessed with the sport is willing to sacrifice everything to succeed.
This is a great debut for Lauren Hadaway, who amazes with her remarkable ability to direct Isabelle Fuhrman (of 'Orphan' fame), also great in a demanding and complex role in which the writer/director emphasizes how success can also lead to self-destruction.
It's evident that Hadaway got carried away on many occasions by style since the blurring, the frantic editing, and the slow-motion scenes kind of distract you from the story. Either way, this makes the film visually exquisite.
Comparisons with 'Black Swan' and 'Whiplash' are inevitable, but what distinguishes 'The Novice' is a character who, without external pressure, decides to push himself to the brink.
This review of The Novice (2021) was written by Bertobellamy on 05 Sep 2023.
The Novice has generally received positive reviews.
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