The Novice - A Movie Review
Intense and well-directed, 'The Novice' emphasizes passion as well as obsession.
Keep your head in your boat. Don’t let the competition go to your head.
The Novice was released in 2021. A college freshman joins the rowing team. Researching every facet there is of rowing, Alex has high goals to be the best. Letting it all go to her head, her physiological obsessions become a concern.
Until viewing The Novice, I had no idea what physical effort went into being on a rowing team. Ever since I saw the trailer, I wanted to watch this film. Intense and well-directed, The Novice emphasizes passion as well as obsession.
For fans of the film Orphan, get ready to witness another praiseworthy and driven performance by Isabelle Fuhrman. Fuhrman is excellent as Alex. Doing everything to be the best, Alex illustrates impressive techniques and an intimidating demeanor.
Fuhrman gained 10 pounds of muscle from her training for this film! All that sweat you see is real. This role was a major emotional battle. Aside from her physical strength, Fuhrman bore an emotional monologue, driving home her true emotions.
Coaches are given the best representation in The Novice. Jonathan Cherry was my favorite supporting actor. You always need enthusiastic instructors. It’s satisfying to see a positive example of coach etiquette. Cherry and Kate Drummond instilled the right definition of a coach.
As for the rest of the ensemble, I liked the character quirks and dynamics. Not the main focus, but the other girls on the rowing team have an important role. As Alex is overdoing it, the girls are talking about the usual daily norms.
I just recently saw Amy Forsythe in CODA. Although she plays another friend character, the way she does it is a contrast to her character in CODA. I like how her character was always eating something. I look forward to seeing Forsythe in more films.
I wasn’t sure how necessary the romantic subplot was between Alex and Dani (Dilone). Their relationship came out of nowhere. Then again, The Novice is not just about one thing. The Novice balanced out an enticing narrative, occasionally taking breaks from the main story. College is an important time for all. It’s a time to explore studies, passions, and relationships.
Lauren Hadaway nails the technical work of The Novice. The cinematography is the most impressive attribute I have seen in a film lately. Hadaway got into the mind of her character. She makes the audience feel drained following the excessive workouts.
Finding the perspective, camera angles studied everything, slowly becoming unhinged to match Alex’s mind. At specific moments, the camera lost focus in a great emotional technique. Sound also implements an important detail. Lines of dialogue repeat in the background while Alex is training.
The Novice reminded me of Black Swan (2010). In both films, the main characters destroy their psyche in overwhelming training to be the best and gain attention. Except, Alex doesn’t have to impress anyone.
Be aware that there are dark moments like body harm that could be triggering to audiences. It comes out of nowhere. The Novice is an intense film. Alex’s deteriorating mental health is upsetting. And take caution with one sex scene in the middle half of the film.
Most of Alex’s decisions are not to be followed, however, we have all been in a situation where we wanted to be the best at our passion and we overdo it. Do it for the fun of it, and not as a competition.
I highly recommend that you watch The Novice. It’s gripping and keeps you hooked until the climax.
About the Creator
Marielle Sabbag
Writing has been my passion since I was 11 years old. I love creating stories from fiction, poetry, fanfiction. I enjoy writing movie reviews. I would love to become a creative writing teacher and leave the world inspiring minds.
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