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 67
Andrew outlasts Ryan and Carl, holds the tempo through Fletcher's assault, and earns the Caravan part.
- Scene 68
The players leave at 3:30 a.m.; Andrew watches Fletcher go, hollowed out by the ordeal.
- Scene 69
On the bus to Dunellen, Andrew practices Caravan while pills sit beside his sheet music.
- Scene 70
This scene
