Whiplash

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Whiplash

R

2014

1h 46m

Drama

Music

Mystery & Thriller

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

94%

Tomatometer

303 Reviews

94%

Popcornmeter

50,000+ Ratings

Andrew Neiman (Miles Teller) is an ambitious young jazz drummer, in pursuit of rising to the top of his elite music conservatory. Terence Fletcher (J.K. Simmons), an instructor known for his terrifying teaching methods, discovers Andrew and transfers the aspiring drummer into the top jazz ensemble, forever changing the young man's life. But Andrew's passion to achieve perfection quickly spirals into obsession, as his ruthless teacher pushes him to the brink of his ability and his sanity.

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Critics Consensus

Intense, inspiring, and well-acted, Whiplash is a brilliant sophomore effort from director Damien Chazelle and a riveting vehicle for stars J.K. Simmons and Miles Teller.

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Candice Frederick

Reel Talk Online

Sep 1, 2017

C+

The film has potential, but ultimately there's more bark than bite.

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Emma Myers

IndieWire

Aug 16, 2016

A-

Revealing both the dangers and payoffs of artistic ambition, Whiplash is sure to establish Chazelle as a directorial force to be reckoned with.

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Jason Bailey

Flavorwire

Jun 18, 2016

It's a thorny, thoughtful movie that asks provocative questions and isn't cocky enough to boast of knowing the answers.

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Matt Oakes

Silver Screen Riot

Oct 14, 2026

A

Between the outstanding performances from Teller and Simmons, a winning script, and an inbred set of emotional stakes, 'Whiplash' drums up a jaw dropping finale that'll have the musically indifferent just as mystified as lifelong aficionados.

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Wael Khairy

The Cinephile Fix

Nov 6, 2023

Here the classroom is the battlefield and dropping a drumstick feels just as devastating and crucial a moment as a grenade falling between your feet.

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Sean Axmaker

Stream on Demand

Aug 19, 2023

This is as much psychological thriller as musical drama and it turns on the increasingly toxic chemistry between two clearly damaged people, to the exclusion of pretty much anyone else in the film

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Bret

Oct 9, 2024

This movie is my tempo

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Danny

Sep 30, 2024

Unbelievable film. Such a treat to see it in the theater!!

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Matt McFarland

Sep 27, 2024

Best movie I've ever seen. Saw it in the theaters with my 15 year old kid when it first came out. I've seen so many times and it's always wonderful. Just left the theater to watch the 10th anniversary showing with my now 25 year old boy! Go watch it!! It's incredible!!!

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Max

Sep 26, 2024

never get tired of this movie

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Kemp C

Sep 26, 2024

One of my favorite movies. So freaking intense and immersive. Every second of this movie hits you like a ton of bricks....and yet there are so many unspoken moments that you don't realize the importance of until you see it a second time or third or fourth...

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Fletcher I barely kno her

Sep 26, 2024

I think this movie is thrilling and worth a watch by most. The music takes a backseat to the main story, which is unfortunate given that better jazz could’ve probably elevated the film to elite status. I’m still not quite sure if Chazelle’s message in the film is that greatness requires tremendous discomfort or if he lends a more critical view toward Fletcher’s approach. I do think that the extensive focus on the technicality and discipline does a disservice towards the passion and artistry that drives musicians as well. Ultimately, though I may disagree with Chazelle’s message I do believe this to be an awesome movie that is worth seeing.

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Damien Chazelle

Director

Miles Teller

Andrew

J.K. Simmons

Terence Fletcher

Melissa Benoist

Nicole

Paul Reiser

Jim

Austin Stowell

Ryan

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Synopsis

Andrew Neiman (Miles Teller) is an ambitious young jazz drummer, in pursuit of rising to the top of his elite music conservatory. Terence Fletcher (J.K. Simmons), an instructor known for his terrifying teaching methods, discovers Andrew and transfers the aspiring drummer into the top jazz ensemble, forever changing the young man's life. But Andrew's passion to achieve perfection quickly spirals into obsession, as his ruthless teacher pushes him to the brink of his ability and his sanity.

Director: Damien Chazelle
Producer: Helen Estabrook, Jason Blum, Michel Litvak, David Lancaster
Screenwriter: Damien Chazelle
Distributor: Sony Pictures Classics
Production Co: Bold Films, Right of Way Films, Blumhouse
Rating: R (Strong Language|Some Sexual References)
Genre: Drama, Music, Mystery & Thriller
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Oct 10, 2014, Limited
Release Date (Streaming): Sep 8, 2016
Box Office (Gross USA): $911.4K
Runtime: 1h 46m
Sound Mix: Datasat, SDDS, Dolby Digital

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