The Novice

The Novice is a 2021 American psychological sports drama film written and directed by Lauren Hadaway in her feature directorial debut. Starring Isabelle Fuhrman, Amy Forsyth, Dilone, Charlotte Ubben, Jonathan Cherry, and Kate Drummond, the film follows an obsessive university freshman who joins the rowing team. The Novice had its world premiere at the Tribeca Film Festival on June 13, 2021, where Fuhrman won the Best Actress award. The film was theatrically released in the United States on December 17, 2021, to widespread acclaim, with particular praise for Hadaway's direction. It earned five nominations at the 37th Independent Spirit Awards, including Best Film and Best Director for Hadaway. Plot After a physics class in which she takes the same exam multiple times over, obsessively competitive college freshman Alex Dall sets out to join the Wellington College Novice Rowing Program. Shortly after the first training session her thoughts become occupied with the sport - in particular with the consistent form practiced while rowing.