Since childhood, Andrew Neyman has loved drumming. His idol is jazz drummer Buddy Rich and he wants to be at least as good. His teacher is Fletcher, the feared, tyrannical music teacher at the music academy who wants his students to give their all, whatever the cost. The ambitious Andrew learns a hard lesson when he seems to have been chosen to play the drums in the band Fletcher has assembled from the academy’s best students. Under Fletcher’s tutelage, Neyman’s life changes radically. His passion for drumming becomes an obsession. He is prepared to sacrifice everything.
A strong sense of suspense and rhythm draw you into the story, into a world full of rousing musical performances. You can also step back to appreciate the superb acting. This is a virtuoso drama about the extremes of inspiration. The denouement is so superior that Whiplash can contend for the title, Best Film of the Year.