The Novice 15

Isabelle Fuhrman (Orphan) plays Alex Dall, a queer college freshman who joins her university's rowing team and undertakes an obsessive physical and psychological journey to make it to the top varsity boat, no matter the cost. Intent on outperforming her teammates, Alex pushes herself to her limits - and beyond, alienating everyone around her in the name of success.

With hints of Damien Chazelle’s Whiplash, Furhman's fierce performance collides with Lauren Hadaway's bold direction and dynamic editing, creating a visceral window into a cutthroat world. With stylish cinematography and a seductive soundtrack, The Novice is a brave and unapologetic debut from Hadaway, based on her own experiences as a competitive collegiate rower.