The first trailer for Whiplash has arrived, which may or may not spark a jazz revival with its electric performances and swinging soundtrack. Sophomore director Damien Chazelle turned the winning Sundance short into a full length feature, which will release later this year. This is a movie that you should anticipate come awards season. Watch the trailer after the jump.

Since its big win at Sundance earlier this year, receiving both the Grand Jury Prize and Audience Awards, Whiplash has been at the top of my must watch list. I’m really liking the energy from Miles Teller (The Spectacular Now; 21 & Over; Divergent). There is some real intensity and true conviction coming from the young actor that stands out from others his own age.

But the shining star I see here is J.K. Simmons (Up in the Air; Spider-Man; Juno). The man has only been nominated for ensemble performances and never for his individual body of work. Which is a shame because he’s a pretty great actor. We’ll have to wait and see if this will be his stand out roll come October.

(Click on the images below to enlarge the screenshots)

The plot synopsis for Whiplash can be found below:

Andrew Neyman is an ambitious young jazz drummer, single-minded in his pursuit to rise to the top of his elite east coast music conservatory. Plagued by the failed writing career of his father, Andrew hungers day and night to become one of the greats. Terence Fletcher, an instructor equally known for his teaching talents as for his terrifying methods, leads the top jazz ensemble in the school. Fletcher discovers Andrew and transfers the aspiring drummer into his band, forever changing the young man’s life. Andrew’s passion to achieve perfection quickly spirals into obsession, as his ruthless teacher continues to push him to the brink of both his ability and his sanity.

Directed by Damien Chazelle, Whiplash stars Miles Teller, J.K. Simmons, Melissa Benoist, and Paul Reiser.

Whiplash hits theaters on October 10, 2014.

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Source: Sony Pictures Classics