It is difficult to figure out which is the most accomplished achievement within Whiplash - the tense new drama that deserves to be nominated for Best Picture at the Oscars. Is it the fact that this is director Damien Chazelle's debut feature? Is it J.K Williams tour-de-force turn as the terrifying instructor Terence Fletcher, or Miles Teller's stunning lead performance as aspiring jazz drummer Andrew Neyman? Or maybe it's the cinematography talents of Sharone Meir who arguably created one of the most gripping final scenes in movie history.

WhiplashMiles Teller [L] and JK Simmons [R] deliver sensational performances in Whiplash

Whiplash tells the story of a young musician who begins a single-minded pursuit to rise to the top of the world's greatest music conservatory, before taking on the role. He is accepted into the school's top band by Fletcher - an instructor whose reputation precedes him. However, Andrew's passion to achieve perfection spirals into disaster as his ruthless teacher attempts to push him beyond his means.

More: Wait, is Whiplash the best movie of 2014?

The bookmakers suggest Whiplash may not even land an Oscar nomination for Best Picture, though given it is clearly far superior to Foxcatcher, Unbroken and The Imitation Game - movies ahead in the betting - it could find itself amongst the elite come Thursday lunchtime.

One thing is for sure: JK Williams will win the Oscar for Best Supporting Actor. In the performance of his career, Williams is terrifying, brutal, psychotic and often hilarious.

Miles TellerWhiplash deserves Oscars nominations

"It's hard to think of another film that leaves us quite so out of breath." said our own Rich Cline.

"Quite simply, Whiplash is one of the year's best films," said Peter Howell of the Toronto Star.

"It would be an insult to call Chazelle a "promising" filmmaker, as this movie doesn't indicate mere potential - it is evidence of authentic, sometimes blazing talent," said Richard Roeper of the Chicago Sun-Times.

"Builds to a finale that's somehow fist-pumpingly fantastic and utterly tragic at the same time. You'll want back for more as soon as it's over," wrote Chris Fyvie of The Skinny.

More: check out our Miles Teller pictures

"The race for the Academy Award for best supporting actor is probably over, with J.K. Simmons nearly guaranteed to take home this year's crown with a performance that is both electric and unforgettable," said Michael Smith of Tulsa World.

Whiplash hits cinemas in the UK from today (January 15, 2014). 

Watch the trailer for Whiplash: