The cinema of overachievement has a sharp new entry to add to the likes of Black Swan and Whiplash in this stylishly directed psychodrama set in the world of varsity rowing. It’s played out in the confines of spindly competitive boats, but debut writer-director Lauren Hadaway is making a broader point about the obsessive-compulsive drive towards success in American society, anchored in a superb performance from Isabelle Fuhrman as relentless novice rower Alex.
Freshman Alex, physically slighter than many of her fellow athletes, seems to lack the right stuff as a top-level rower. But with the same dogged attitude that’s led her to major in her worst subject, physics, she resolves to push her limits and starts to impress her coach Pete (Jonathan Cherry), who initially can’t remember her name. So she is invited to the chilly 5am lakeside to train with the varsity leaguers – along with fellow novice Jamie (Amy Forsyth) who, from a humbler background, needs the scholarship that a place on the team would give her more than Alex does.
