Tension is built through the entire film.

Rating: 10/10 (15 January 2015)

In order to successfully give tension, there must be a conflict worth caring about. The conflict must be something of great importance to one of the characters in the film, and must be, in some way, relatable or understandable to the audience so that they care about it. In addition, it must also create an atmosphere that anything could go wrong at any moment. These two aspects of a film combined create tension. Throughout the entirety of Whiplash, you are in a constant state of tension. You feel everything that Miles Teller's character, Andrew, is going through; and you want him to succeed just as much as he wants to. Just when you think things couldn't get more intense, it throws something completely unexpected your way; and this happens with every single scene. This is the definition of wonderful writing. You feel that each character in the story cares, and it is brought to life by the wonderful performances by all of the cast members. And those performances wouldn't be possible if it weren't for some amazing directing. And that amazing directing wouldn't be possible if it weren't for the wonderful writing.
It was the type of writing that made my heart beat with every pound on the tension-building instrument: the drums.
I recommend it greatly to all those who happened to stumble upon this film.