Let’s talk about the way college is portrayed in films and television. Life is one big party. Alcohol might as well be blood, because everyone’s veins seem to overflow with them. Everyone has sex constantly. Virgins don’t exist in college. At least, that’s what we’re made to believe. Much like how Dante’s Inferno has shaped our modern perception of Hell and Satan, I would argue that National Lampoon’s Animal House shaped our perception of college partying. It’s almost as if college and partying are interchangeable words for the same experience - at least, that’s how we’ve seen them portrayed post-Animal House.
The 80s continued to shape this ideal through Revenge of the Nerds, Porky’s, and numerous slasher films aching to get a piece of the genre boom. The 90s were no different, kicking off franchises like American Pie, Road Trip, and EuroTrip - just to name a few. Films like these are among the very real reasons I had no desire to attend college. I’m not trying to shame or fault anyone who did attend college. I’m happy that you were able to further your education and better yourself. The modern ideal of what college is, mixed with financial restraints, forced me to stay away. Lately there has been a slew of films, both major and independent, that have chosen to embrace a more realistic approach. Even if it makes us, as the audience, a little uncomfortable.
Media like Promising Young Woman, the ever despised 13 Reasons Why, and more have embraced, for good or bad, the conversation about the very real reality some people experience at college. It’s not just sex, alcohol, and a good time. On the contrary, those can be a deadly cocktail that leads to incidents like sexual assault. According to RAINN, 13% of all university students experience rape or sexual assault to any given degree. 9.7% of professional and graduate female students experience rape or sexual assault, while 2.5% of men will also experience such tragedy. It’s also interesting to note that 5.8% of students, male or female, have experienced a degree of stalking at some point since the beginning of their college career. The numbers continue to grow past these few statistics. I would recommend checking out RAINN’s full page by clicking here.
Continuing on in the tradition of socially conscious horror movies, co-writer and director John Berardo takes on the subject of sexual assault in Initiation. Berardo brings a slasher edge to the film that tells the story of a local college sports hero who gets murdered. The police, his fraternity, and his sister race against the clock to find out what happened to the local celebrity as the plot thickens and bodies begin to pile up. Initiation has more in common with Scream than it does other recent slashers. The film has more mystery to its tone than anything else. It’s not even until the film reaches its third act that the bodies really begin to pile up. The film is smart in the way that it portrays its socially conscious themes of assault, demonstrating the effects on the mental health of a person still grappling days after the event.
Even the way in which this feature comes through is visually haunting. It feels very much like a fever dream. While there is no performance that stands out above another, it is the film’s use of themes that bring weight to it. Even the way the commentary is woven into the narrative is clever. While the initiation of each arc of these characters is clever, they never find closure - not to mention that by the time we get to the third act, the mystery and previous themes have been completely tossed aside for a generic thriller that lies somewhere between Happy Death Day and Saw. While this will no doubt satisfy the horror enthusiasts, it is a less than desirable quality to have in your film. I wish the team behind the film had balanced the story a bit better.
The audience gets to meet the killer at the tail end of the first act. From here, you don’t see him again until closer to the film’s third act. When he does come back, the pacing of the film goes from a nice steady beat to fast paced. It’s like someone stuck the movie on fast forward and the button to return it to normal speed broke. It’s jarring to say the least. But what I found myself really enjoying about this film was how grounded it feels. Even when we get into the slasher portion of the story, the character design of the killer allowed the film to stay grounded at least a little bit.
Overall, Initiation suffers a bit of an identity crisis from time to time. Despite the flaws of the film, it takes a grounded approach to the heavier topic of college life, while also offering up an entertaining thriller. It’s slasher side, while not overtly present, does offer some fun to the film when it appears. It does upset the film’s tone once introduced. The character design does help to keep it grounded. Initiation is a bit forgettable in ways but manages to make a slight impact in the process.
RORSCHACH RATING:
Mental Health Moment: As I’ve mentioned all throughout this review, the film has a heavy emphasis on sexual assault themes. Perhaps what is most notable about this film is the buddy system throughout. Right from the opening frames and the exploration of the film’s opening party, the sorority sisters we meet are committed to partnering up when it comes to going out to parties or other terrifying areas. They are committed to holding one another accountable. This is such a necessity for so many of us. We can sometimes neglect this part of our day to day. Having one person, or two, that are committed to holding you accountable for your actions and consistently helping you grow. It works wonders for your mental health.
“Friends are the families we choose for ourselves.” - MyChildren MyBride
If you or someone you know is reading this right now and struggling with suicide, depression, addiction, or self-harm - please reach out. Comment, message, or tweet at us. Go to victimsandvillains.net/hope for more resources. Call the suicide lifeline at 1-800-273-8255. Text "HELP" to 741-741. There is hope & you DO have so much value and worth!
Victims and Villains is written (and produced) by Josh "Captain Nostalgia" Burkey and others, and edited by Cam Smith. Music by Mallory Johnson and others. Initiation is property of Saban Films. We do not own nor claim any rights.
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