A true character drama, Whiplash is well crafted in every way. The tone is spot on with nail-biter tension from start to finish. Teller plays a young hopeful who's finally got his break at an elite music school. Simmons is the abusive, sociopathic teacher. The dynamic between the two is electric and the music's not far off. The limits of just how far one might go to discover, nurture and harness greatness have been re-set. And approaching them is one helluva ride.