A young jazz drummer pursues a place among the country’s best, pushing himself toward greatness under the control of a brilliant, abusive instructor.
- Scenes 1–6
Andrew lives inside solitary practice, family movie nights, and an ideal of greatness learned from jazz legends.
- Scenes 7–13
Shaffer's hierarchy makes Andrew doubt his prospects, while he wants a chance to become an exceptional drummer.
- Scenes 14–17
Fletcher draws Andrew back from transferring, and Andrew enters Studio Band while beginning a relationship with Nicole.
- Scenes 18–48
Andrew learns Fletcher's brutal rules, competes for status, and tries to survive the first rehearsals.
- Scenes 49–50
Andrew plays Whiplash from memory and helps Shaffer win the competition, gaining the core position he wanted.
- Just before
- Scene 51
The stagehand returns Carl's folder, and Carl looks at Andrew with suspicion.
- Scene 52
Fletcher removes Carl from the core seat and makes Andrew the drummer, with Carl assigned to turn pages.
- Scene 53
On the bus, Andrew watches Buddy Rich and ignores Nicole's message as Carl accuses him of stealing the spot.
- Scene 54
This scene
