Initiation

Initiation (stylized as Init!ation) is a 2020 American slasher film directed, co-produced, and co-written by John Berardo, inspired by his short film Dembanger. It stars Jon Huertas, Isabella Gomez, Lindsay LaVanchy, Froy Gutierrez, Gattlin Griffith, Patrick Walker, James Berardo, Bart Johnson, Shireen Lai, Kent Faulcon, Yancy Butler, and Lochlyn Munro. The film premiered at the Screamfest Horror Film Festival on October 8, 2020. It was released on May 7, 2021, by Saban Films. Plot During a homecoming party, a sorority member named Kylie is found unconscious and alone in a room with three members of Sigma Nu Pi, Beau, Dylan, and Wes. The following morning, she is cruelly mocked on social media. Kylie seeks out help from fellow sorority member Shayleen, who in turn approaches Ellery, another sorority member. Ellery agrees to investigate, particularly as Wes is her brother and he has been previously accused of sexual assault. Wes is murdered by an unknown assailant and his body is discovered by Dylan and Beau. In the following days, Wes is lionized by the university chancellor Van Horn, who highlights Wes's prowess at swimming and his lost potential. The murder is investigated by Detective Sandra Fitzgerald and Officer Rico Martinez, the latter of whom discovers that Wes's previous case of sexual assault had been covered up by Van Horn. Soon after, Dylan and Beau are also murdered by the unknown assailant.