The Novice

A college student joins a competitive rowing team to discover her own strength. As she pushes herself to her limits, she grapples with obsession, the relentless pursuit of perfection, and the blurring lines between dedication and self-destruction. The film intensely portrays the physical and psychological toll of extreme athletic ambition.

The Novice received strong critical acclaim, particularly for its intense portrayal of athletic obsession and its visceral depiction of the sport of rowing. Isabelle Fuhrman's performance was widely praised for its raw intensity and commitment. The film was lauded for its unique perspective on ambition and the sacrifices it demands.

• Praised for its gripping and immersive portrayal of a young woman's obsessive drive.
• Isabelle Fuhrman delivers a standout performance as the determined, yet self-destructive protagonist.
• Lauded for its raw, authentic depiction of the physical and mental challenges of competitive rowing.

Google audience: Audiences appreciated the film's intense focus on the psychological aspects of competitive sports and Isabelle Fuhrman's powerful performance. Some viewers found the relentless nature of the protagonist's journey to be challenging, but most agreed it was a compelling and impactful story.

Won the Narrative Jury Award at the Tribeca Film Festival, and received nominations for Breakthrough Director and Performance at the Independent Spirit Awards.

Director Lauren Hadaway drew heavily from her own experiences as a collegiate rower, including a significant shoulder injury, to inform the film's narrative and visceral depiction of the sport.