I am well aware that I’m playing catch-up on this title, but I knew this one would have to be one that I was ready and in the mood for, and wow, a fantastic film. The first half of the film is a huge stress-watch for me, but what an amazing ride and one that raises all manner of questions during the viewing of, and after the movie.

Andrew (Miles Teller) is a very talented drummer, and he’s gotten into the Shaffer Conservatory of Music, one of the top music schools in the country, and he is driven by the desire to be great. He’s given his shot when he makes sure he gets noticed by Fletcher (J.K. Simmons, who won an Oscar for this role), professor and head of the school’s best band.

But Fletcher is abusive and cruel, constantly pushing and driving his players harder and harder, and it pushes Andrew literally to a shocking breaking point.

This leads to a discussion on-screen, and off, about the forging of greatness, and not just acceptance of being good. It’s not an easy question to wrestle with, is Fletcher verbally abusing his students, do they live in fear or him? That’s an undeniable yes. Does he do what he does because he sees something in them and knows that he has to push them beyond their boundaries to achieve it? Yes.

But what gives him the right to do that? Where is the line drawn? Should we settle for average or push beyond for something more? And should others help push us?

Whiplash which was written and directed by Damien Chazelle is a powerful, unsettling watch with a last act that is in turns gut-wrenching and redefining. Packed with powerful performances, this film not only walked away with Best Actor for Simmons but also Editing and Sound Mixing. It was also nominated for Best Adapted Screenplay (based on Chazelle’s earlier short film), and Best Picture.

It features some fantastic music, and we can see and hear the beauty in it as we are taken into the practice room, and stages where the band plays, and we live in terror for the next thing that Fletcher may do, even if he sees it as for the good of the artist. The last few shots of the film live in my brain and make me question drive and performance endlessly.

Do we want someone to push us beyond our limits to forge us into something great?

The contrast between Fletcher, and Andrew’s dad, Jim (Paul Rudd) is intentional and illustrates differences between mentor and parent, as well as drive and acceptance. The entire film is stunning and thought-provoking, but it’s also an incredibly intense watch.