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THE NOVICE

FRIDAY, OCT 22, 7:30 PM, NW FILM FORUM &
VIRTUAL (OCT 14–24)

Lauren Hadaway; 2021; USA; 94 min.

Alex Dall (Isabelle Fuhrman, THE ORPHAN, THE HUNGER GAMES) is a novice rower determined to climb the ranks of her college’s team, no matter the cost to her physical and mental health. Combining the sports underdog story and art-house cinematography, this psychological thriller shows what one woman will do in the name of success. Even a budding romance is in danger as winning becomes a greater need for Alex than anything else. Fuhrman’s fiercely passionate performance, embodying pure ambition, drives the film and is perfectly paired with director Lauren Hadaway’s unique and bold choices. Her unapologetic debut, based on her own experience as a competitive collegiate rower, heralds a bold new voice in queer storytelling.

CONTENT WARNINGS: NON-EXPLICIT SEXUAL SITUATIONS, EXPLICIT SEXUAL SITUATIONS, DEPICTION OF SELF-HARM, DISCUSSION OF SELF-HARM