He pledges to hunt you down.|May. 07, 2021|United States|96 Min.|R
Genre: Horror;Mystery
Description: Initiation (2021) is an independent horror-thriller that combines intense action with moments of stillness. The film features dynamic camera work, with scenes often framed in fluid, kinetic compositions. It also highlights the pervasive presence of technology, with cell phones and constant communication frequently shown. Despite its fast-paced sequences, the movie takes time to delve deeper into its characters, moving beyond stereotypes to explore the psychological impact of a serial murderer. While it delivers the visceral scares expected from the genre, Initiation stands out for its maturity in both filmmaking and thematic depth.
The story unfolds during a university’s pledge week, where a star athlete is found gruesomely murdered in his dorm. This event triggers a series of sinister social media messages, plunging the students and police into a race against time to uncover the school’s dark secrets. The film addresses the issue of sexual assault on campus, blending it with a slasher narrative centered around a masked killer armed with a power drill.
At a frat house party, Beau, a manipulative figure, targets Kylie, a new sorority member eager to fit in. After leading her to his bedroom with another frat member, Wes, Kylie later confides in sorority president Ellery, suspecting she was assaulted. The situation escalates when the frat boys label her a “slut” on social media. Ellery, a science major, takes matters into her own hands, using her part-time job at a DNA lab to investigate. Meanwhile, a masked killer begins targeting those suspected of wrongdoing, adding to the campus chaos.
Initiation offers a mix of suspense, social commentary, and classic horror elements, making it a unique addition to the genre.
Cast director: John Berardo
Cast actor: Lindsay LaVanchy, Isabella Gomez, Froy Gutierrez, Shayleen Zhou, Gattlin Griffith, Lochlyn Munro, Jon Huertas, Yancy Butler, James Berardo, Bart Johnson
Original name: Initiation