Reviews: Initiation (2020) Movie Review
Genres: Horror, Thriller, Drama, Mystery, Crime
Subgenres: Killer, Thriller, College, Internet, Maniac, Stalker, Thrill Kill
Where does Initiation (2020) stand among horror films? Our review examines the scares, pacing, and what makes it unique in the genre.
Initiation (2020), directed by John Berardo, is a modern slasher film that attempts to blend horror with relevant social commentary. The story unfolds at Whiton University, where a campus-wide scandal involving s**ual assault, toxic masculinity, and cyberbullying ignites a series of brutal murders.
Initiation (2020) – A Slasher with a Social Media Twist
Plot, Themes, and Character Development
At the center of the story is Ellery Scott (Lindsay LaVanchy), a college student whose brother is implicated in a troubling social media controversy. As she digs deeper, a masked killer begins targeting students, leaving behind a trail of gruesome deaths. The film explores themes of consent, online harassment, and the dangers of frat culture, making it a timely horror film with an important message.
While Initiation sets itself apart from typical slasher films by incorporating these modern themes, it struggles to fully balance its horror elements with its social message.
Acting and Cinematography
The cast delivers serviceable performances, with Lindsay LaVanchy carrying much of the film’s emotional weight. Jon Huertas and Isabella Gomez also provide solid support, but the dialogue often feels forced and unnatural.
Visually, the film is well-shot, with a sleek, modern aesthetic. The use of smartphone notifications, social media screenshots, and digital effects helps immerse the audience in its contemporary setting. The kill sequences are brutal and effective, offering satisfying slasher moments, but the overall tension-building could have been stronger.
Directing Style, Strengths, and Weaknesses
John Berardo attempts to craft a horror film that does more than just rack up body counts, and while his ambition is commendable, the film struggles with pacing and execution. The slasher elements are engaging, but the film takes too long to get going, spending too much time on the college drama before delivering the horror payoff.
Strengths:
- Relevant Social Themes – The film tackles toxic masculinity, social media culture, and consent in a meaningful way.
- Stylish Cinematography – The modern visuals and clever use of technology enhance immersion.
- Brutal Kill Sequences – The slasher moments deliver intense and graphic violence.
Weaknesses:
- Uneven Pacing – The slow start makes it feel more like a college drama than a horror film for the first half.
- Underdeveloped Characters – Some characters lack depth, making it hard to connect with their struggles.
- Predictable Killer Reveal – While the film tries to keep the mystery engaging, seasoned horror fans will see the twist coming.
Final Verdict & Score: 5/10
Initiation is an ambitious slasher film with a relevant social message, but its slow pacing, predictable twists, and inconsistent tension hold it back. While it’s a refreshing take on the genre, it doesn’t fully stick the landing.
Sources Used to Shape This Review
Insights in this review are drawn from director interviews, fan commentary, production notes, and long-form breakdowns across genre-specific platforms. Content is written uniquely and reviewed for accuracy.
- Initiation Rating Scores
- Our Score: 5/10
- Overall Score: 5.33/10
- Rotten Tomatoes: 5.5/10
Look here for more movies starting with I and here you can find 2020 movies to watch on your favorite streaming service.