Beasts

Struggling with the grief of her brother's death, college student Alex Dall sets her sights on joining the university's elite rowing team. Driven by an obsessive desire to be the best, she pushes herself to her physical and mental limits, often resorting to extreme training methods. As she navigates the demanding world of competitive rowing, Alex grapples with her personal demons and the intense pressure to succeed, blurring the lines between dedication and self-destruction.

The Novice received widespread critical acclaim, particularly for its raw and intense portrayal of obsession and athletic struggle. Isabelle Fuhrman's performance was frequently singled out for praise, as were the film's visceral depiction of the sport and its unflinching exploration of toxic ambition. Critics noted its claustrophobic atmosphere and relentless pacing, making it a compelling, albeit challenging, viewing experience.

• Isabelle Fuhrman delivers a powerhouse performance as a driven and self-destructive rower.

• The film masterfully captures the grueling physical and mental demands of competitive rowing.

• A raw and unflinching look at obsession and the pursuit of perfection.

Google audience: Audiences praised the film's intense and realistic portrayal of rowing and the psychological depth of the protagonist. Many found Isabelle Fuhrman's performance to be captivating and the film's exploration of ambition to be thought-provoking, though some found its intensity to be overwhelming at times.

Won numerous awards on the festival circuit, including the Narrative Grand Jury Prize at the Tribeca Film Festival and the Audience Award for Best Narrative Feature at the SXSW Film Festival.

Director Lauren Hadaway, a former collegiate rower herself, drew heavily from her own experiences to create the film's authentic and visceral portrayal of the sport.