THE NOVICE Trailer
A young woman pushes herself too far in The Novice, the feature debut of writer/director Lauren Hadaway.
Going to university is never easy, so Alex’s decision to learn rowing on top of figuring out classes, how to feed herself, and keep a relationship going is an oddity. The sport is demanding by itself, but Alex takes the training to another level, determined to make her school’s varsity team in record time. Anyone who finds her drive admirable at first quickly sees its destructive course (everyone but Alex, of course), who continues to push herself down a dangerous path.
This plunge into the dark side of hustle culture made a splash when it premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival earlier this year, winning over juries, critics, and audiences alike with its punishing journey. Much praise went to Hadaway for crafting such a tight, insular story her first time out, marking her as a filmmaker to watch going forward.
A little more known but also earning strong praise is star Isabelle Fuhrman as Alex, who you might remember as the creepy kid at the center of 2009’s Orphan. She’s all grown up now and shouldering the emotional heft of this movie, which just might be her break into adult roles.
I expect this will be an unpleasant watch, but it promises to be a rewarding one.
The Novice is directed by Lauren Hadaway and stars Isabelle Fuhrman, Amy Forsyth, and Dilone. It will be released in the US on December 17th, 2021. Further release dates are not currently known.
Will you dive into this one? Let us know in the comments!
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