Whiplash
Movie, 2014, Named by fans, Set in Third in the trilogy
Whiplash is #43 of 48 in release order and #42 of 48 in chronological order in the Spiritual Trilogies.
The story
Under the direction of a ruthless instructor, a talented young drummer begins to pursue perfection at any cost, even his humanity.
Whiplash recap
Andrew Neiman, a 19-year-old drummer at Shaffer Conservatory in New York, wants to be one of the great jazz musicians. Terence Fletcher, the school's most feared bandleader, brings him into his studio band, then throws a chair at him and slaps him for being off tempo. Andrew practises until his hands bleed, breaks up with his girlfriend Nicole to focus, and wins the core drum chair. Fletcher keeps setting drummers against each other. On the way to a competition, Andrew's bus breaks down; he rents a car, forgets his sticks, gets them back, and is hit by a truck. Bloody, he crawls to the stage, plays badly, and attacks Fletcher when he dismisses him. Andrew is expelled, and he gives evidence that a former student of Fletcher's killed himself after years of abuse. Fletcher is fired. The Obsessed Artist Trilogy places it alongside Amadeus and Black Swan as a story of art pursued at any cost.
Whiplash ending explained
Andrew plays an extended solo at a festival that wins Fletcher's approval. Months later Fletcher invites Andrew to drum in his band at the JVC jazz festival. On stage Fletcher reveals he knows Andrew testified and starts a piece Andrew has not been given. Andrew walks off, then returns, cuts Fletcher off and starts Caravan. He keeps playing past the end, with Fletcher drawn in to conduct him, and finishes as the two lock eyes and Fletcher nods.
Post-credits scenes
No. There is no post-credits scene.
Where to watch Whiplash
Whiplash isn't on a US streaming service right now. You can rent or buy it on Amazon, Apple TV, and Google Play.
Ratings
IMDb 8.5/10, Rotten Tomatoes 94%
Where it fits
- Release order: after The Wolf of Wall Street, before Sicario.
- Chronological order: after Black Swan, before Cast Away.
Cast
- Miles Teller as Andrew
- J.K. Simmons as Fletcher
- Paul Reiser as Jim
- Melissa Benoist as Nicole
- Austin Stowell as Ryan
- Nate Lang as Carl
- Chris Mulkey as Uncle Frank
- Damon Gupton as Mr. Kramer
- Suanne Spoke as Aunt Emma
- Max Kasch as Dorm Neighbor
- Charlie Ian as Dustin
- Jayson Blair as Travis
Directed by Damien Chazelle.