Starring: Miles Teller, JK Simmons, Melissa Benoist, Paul Reiser
Directed By: Damien Chazelle

Just an absolutely explosive movie. What a breakthrough for director Damien Chazelle. If this year was weaker, or if the category was allowed more than five nominees, Miles Teller would be a Best Actor nominee this year. Guaranteed. This is his best performance in a short career that is already impressive. It’s a breakthrough performance that is sure to keep attention on him in future awards races. He’s crazy good, and the performance is intense. You can feel Teller bleeding into his role.

JK Simmons is brilliant opposite Teller as a college music director who will stop at nothing to get excellence from his musicians. Simmons has spent a very long career in supporting roles, often getting overlooked even when he’s great. This is the performance that finally people can’t ignore, and everyone will vote for. JK Simmmons gives the performance of his career, and in doing so eclipses everyone in the Best Supporting Actor race.

Whiplash is the kind of film that any young person planning to major in music (or who already does) should see. The dedication, the time, the energy. Work ethic. On top of that, it’s just a beautiful film to watch. It’s expertly shot, intelligently written, and beautifully acted. One of the best films of the year, and an absolute must see. My deep fear is that the movie is too small to branch out beyond a nomination for Simmons, so if more people watch, perhaps it will truly shine. It deserves to.

FINAL GRADE: A