The Novice
Seen it?2021 | 97 min | Drama
Sunday Safe BetWhy it’s a Sunday Safe Bet
Critics loved it (93% on Rotten Tomatoes), though it had a box office flop and almost no lasting buzz. A safe bet when you want something reliable.
Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.Is it for you?
- Who'll love it
- Made for anyone who loves a strong drama. If you loved Unbroken, start here. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
- The mood
- Thoughtful and character-driven.
- The pace
- Takes its time with its characters, at 1 hr 37 min.
- What might put you off
- Rated R: meant for adults.
- Audiences were cooler on it than critics.
A college freshman 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.
How it earned its rating
- CriticsVery strong
93% on Rotten Tomatoes, 87 on Metacritic
- AudiencesBelow par
6.4 out of 10
- AwardsSolid
Nominated for 5 Independent Spirit Awards.
- Box office & staying powerWeak
$24K worldwide
- Buzz & cultural impactWeak
About 18K people sought it out in the past year
Trailer
More like this
Unbroken
Saturday SpecialAnother sports drama, and a Saturday Special.
Bruised
Weeknight WatchAnother sports drama, though it's more of a weeknight watch.
The Fallout
Friday Night FlickAnother critically acclaimed drama.
The Secret Life of Bees Saturday SpecialAnother drama, and a Saturday Special.
Daddio Sunday Safe BetAnother drama, and a safe bet for a quiet night.
Want more like this, picked just for you? Get my picks
Cast & crew
Directed by Lauren Hadaway
- Isabelle FuhrmanAlex
- Amy ForsythJamie
- DiloneDani
- Jonathan CherryCoach Pete
- Kate DrummondCoach Edwards
- Charlotte UbbenErin
- Sage IrvineJanssen
- Chantelle BishopHighsmith
- Jeni RossWinona
- Nikki DuvalTry-Hard