Initiation (2020) – Movie Review
Initiation (2020) is a tense slasher-thriller directed by John Berardo that blends classic horror elements with sharp social commentary. Set against the backdrop of a modern American university, the film explores themes of sexual assault, toxic masculinity, and the darker side of campus culture. While it stays true to certain slasher conventions, Initiation strives to add weight and relevance to its scares, resulting in a film that’s both entertaining and thought-provoking.
The story unfolds at Whiton University, a typical college campus hiding ugly secrets beneath its glossy surface. After a disturbing assault involving a popular fraternity, a series of murders shocks the student body. As the body count rises, friends and bystanders are forced to confront their complicity, their silence, and their own biases. The killer’s identity remains hidden behind a black hoodie and a methodical approach, keeping the tension high throughout.
Lindsay LaVanchy stars as Ellery Scott, a strong yet vulnerable heroine who quickly becomes the emotional center of the story. LaVanchy delivers a believable and heartfelt performance, balancing fear with determination as Ellery tries to uncover the truth behind the attacks. The supporting cast, including Lochlyn Munro, Froy Gutierrez, and Isabella Gomez, help ground the film with solid performances that bring authenticity to the college setting.
Director John Berardo co-wrote the script with LaVanchy and Brian Frager, and their approach to storytelling is refreshingly modern. Rather than relying solely on jump scares or gore, Initiation builds its horror from real-world fears—specifically the pervasive issues of victim-blaming, peer pressure, and institutional cover-ups. The film cleverly integrates technology into the narrative, with social media posts and texts serving as key plot devices, reflecting how digital culture magnifies both cruelty and accountability.
Visually, Initiation offers stylish cinematography and a crisp, cold color palette that heightens the feeling of detachment and unease. The murders themselves are brutal but not overly gratuitous, focusing more on the aftermath and emotional fallout than on elaborate kill scenes. This choice sets Initiation apart from many modern slashers that prioritize spectacle over substance.
The pacing is mostly strong, with a tight runtime that keeps the story moving without unnecessary filler. However, some viewers might find the final act slightly predictable, as the film leans into familiar genre beats toward its climax. Even so, the emotional payoff and the underlying message give Initiation a resonance that lingers longer than most standard horror flicks.
Initiation succeeds by balancing entertainment with a pointed examination of real social issues. It’s a rare slasher that treats its subject matter with enough seriousness to provoke thought while still delivering the tension and thrills expected from the genre. For horror fans looking for something a little deeper, Initiation is a worthwhile watch that sticks with you after the credits roll.
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