The Novice

The Novice is a gritty drama/thriller directed and written by first-time filmmaker Lauren Hadaway. Released in 2021, the movie features performances from Isabelle Fuhrman, well-known for her roles in Orphan and The Hunger Games, along with Amy Forsyth, known for her role in the TV series 'Defiance' and Dilone, a successful model making her acting debut.

The narrative revolves around Alex Dall, a college freshman, played by Isabelle Fuhrman, who joins the varsity rowing team of her university. The storyline delves into the young woman’s escalating obsession with beating out everyone at any cost, including herself. The movie intricately explores the demanding and psychologically harsh environment that develops from the world of competitive sport, coupled with the academic challenges at a prestigious college.

The Novice takes audiences on a fly-on-the-wall tour of both the intense physical and emotional journey of a college sports team, with Dall's character wrestleing with the pressures of performance, competition, and the dream to become the best. The movie expertly studies the will to win and what it takes to reach the top, regardless of the consequences.

The protagonist, Alex Dall, oozes relentless determination both to fit in and be the best. The film expresses her psychological state powerfully, driving home the psychological impact of college sports whilst exploring the brutal nature of obsession, ambition, and personal preservation.

Isabelle Fuhrman portrays herself as a rookie, better known here as the 'Novice,' in the dog-eat-dog world of college rowing. She beautifully captures the spirit of a young woman whose steadfast determination borders on self-destruction. Her performance is complemented by Amy Forsyth, who plays the character of 'Jamie Brill,' her pragmatic senior and roommate, while Dilone skillfully plays the character of 'Dani,' her patient and supportive teammate.

One of the major highlights of the movie lies in the way it vividly brings to life a realistic portrayal of the rigorous training and competitive spirit inherent to rowing. Audiences can feel the body-pushing, intense workouts, early morning drill sessions, and rowing sequences that capture both the physical toll and the adrenaline rush associated with the sport.

The movie, at its heart, is not just a sports flick, but a powerful coming-of-age narrative exploring vital themes such as ambition, obsession, and self-identity. Casting an unflinching yet empathetic look at the protagonist's journey, it delves deep into the emotional turmoil that accompanies the relentless pursuit of excellence in academia and athletics.

The brisk development of the narrative is intensified by the smart editing and adept cinematography that capture the highs and lows, ups and downs of this demanding journey in evocative detail. The fast-paced rowing sequences give a sense of urgency and tension, while the quieter moments provide an introspective look into Dall's mind, escalating the drama of the overall narrative.

Both the script and the direction by Lauren Hadaway are remarkable, given that this is her debut feature film. The movie’s ambiguous ending leaves room for various interpretations, allowing for deeper audience engagement post viewing. Tense, absorbing, and emotionally charged, this feature film has been praised for its meticulous storytelling, striking cinematography, and standout performances from the cast.

Despite its darker tone, the film manages to retain an element of inspiration through its complex portrayal of single-minded commitment to a goal, even in the face of overwhelming odds.

The Novice is an intense, heart-wrenching thriller, and sports drama, that is as much about the darker corners of ambition as it is about the hallowed halls of athletic success. It is an engaging story of one young woman's pursuit of excellence despite the punishing reality of what it takes to achieve it.

To sum it up, The Novice is a thought-provoking exploration of ambition, drive, and resilience, that leaves a lasting impression on its viewers, urging them to think about the importance of balance and the sometimes dangerous drive for perfection. It is a movie that sports enthusiasts, college students, and lovers of psychological thrillers would certainly appreciate. A work of art to some, a thought provoking narrative for others, The Novice has plenty to offer to a variety of audiences. Isabelle Fuhrman's realistic depiction of Alex Dall, coupled with Hadaway's master narrative, surely makes the movie a must-watch.