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 56
Andrew ends his relationship with Nicole in advance, explaining that he will choose drumming over time with her.
- Scene 57
Fletcher tests Andrew and Ryan on the Caravan chart, then gives Ryan the part after Andrew misses the tempo.
- Scene 58
Andrew confronts Fletcher, who tells him to earn the part while hiding visible grief.
- Scene 59
This scene
