Whiplash

*****
UK Release Date: January 16th 2015

A promising young drummer (Teller) enrolls at a cut-throat music conservatory where his dreams of greatness are mentored by an instructor (J.K Simmons) who will stop at nothing to realize a student's potential.

Director: Damien Chazelle

Starring: Miles Teller, J.K. Simmons, Melissa Benoist

January has barely closed its doors yet, but Whiplash is already vastly becoming one of the most intense, butt-clenching films of the year. No, scrap that, of the decade. The team behind this film, the editors, sound mixers, producers, cinematographers and the director have put their blood, sweat and tears into this film to show blood, sweat and tears and a raw side to music. Whiplash has a different kind of action, but it's just as intense (if not more) as the likes of Die Hard or Batman. Andrew (Teller) constantly vies to prove himself in front of notoriously strict jazz-musician and teacher Fletcher (Simmons). Heavy amounts of denial, intimidation and practice won't break his vision to become the best drummer there is. Teller pours hit heart and soul into his performance, giving every ounce of energy he has, making Andrew his most engaging and enigmatic character yet. Our attention, however, will always be focused on Simmons, who's electrifying and outright scary. Just imagine Fletcher as your teacher when you were this young! Best supporting actor in the frameworks. Fletcher pushes Andrew to the edge, and us to the edge, and the intensity is overbearing, but utterly gripping from start to finish. It's one of those films that you won't want to end and for the last section to go on for Miles. 

5/5