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During university pledge week, the joyous atmosphere turns to terror after a popular athlete is murdered. Cryptic social media clues begin to surface, revealing a network of hidden campus secrets. As students and law enforcement race to find answers, a recurring symbol, a single exclamation mark, suggests a sinister presence. The investigation uncovers a disturbing connection between the victim and the escalating events, forcing everyone to confront the dark underbelly of the university.

During university pledge week, the joyous atmosphere turns to terror after a popular athlete is murdered. Cryptic social media clues begin to surface, revealing a network of hidden campus secrets. As students and law enforcement race to find answers, a recurring symbol, a single exclamation mark, suggests a sinister presence. The investigation uncovers a disturbing connection between the victim and the escalating events, forcing everyone to confront the dark underbelly of the university.

Does Initiation have end credit scenes?

No!

Initiation does not have end credit scenes. You can leave when the credits roll.

Ratings and Reviews for Initiation

See how Initiation is rated across major platforms like IMDb, Metacritic, and TMDb. Compare audience scores and critic reviews to understand where Initiation stands among top-rated movies in its genre.


Echo Score

The Movie Echo Score

47

Initiation delivers a mixed impression, with its thematic ambition offset by uneven execution. Critics acknowledge the film's attempt to address contemporary issues and commend the lead performance, yet they criticize its meandering plot and inconsistent direction. User feedback echoes this split, praising moments of tension while lamenting pacing problems and limited character development. Consequently, the film sits in the lower‑mid range, offering occasional sparks but lacking the cohesion needed for broader appeal.

The Movie Echo Score Breakdown for Initiation

45
Echo Score

Art & Craft

In terms of art and craft, the film shows moments of technical competence but falls short of cohesion. Critics note decent cinematography yet describe the direction as meandering, and viewers highlight a sluggish first act that hampers visual rhythm. Positive remarks focus on occasional effective components, but the overall sense is that visual and editorial choices do not consistently support the narrative. The artistic execution therefore remains modest.

55
Echo Score

Character & Emotion

When examining character and emotion, performances receive a blend of praise and criticism. Reviewers applaud the lead actress for a nuanced portrayal and acknowledge the ensemble’s ability to convey modern social anxieties. However, several comments point to underdeveloped internal conflicts and limited depth for supporting characters. The mixed feedback results in a moderately positive assessment, reflecting competent acting that is occasionally restrained by script limitations.

40
Echo Score

Story & Flow

Story and flow emerge as the film's weakest pillar, with critics and users alike citing pacing irregularities and a disjointed narrative. Early segments are described as slow and unengaging, while later twists are viewed as predictable or poorly integrated. Though some appreciate the thematic critique of digital culture, the overall structure fails to maintain tension or originality, positioning the story aspect in the lower range.

50
Echo Score

Sensory Experience

Sensory experience receives a neutral appraisal, with limited commentary on sound design or visual style. Cinematography is deemed decent but not distinguished, and the soundtrack receives no notable mention. Users highlight the use of text message dialogue as a narrative device, adding a modern auditory layer. The absence of strong sensory highlights leads to an average rating, reflecting a competent but unremarkable sensory execution.

45
Echo Score

Rewatch Factor

Rewatch factor is modest, as the film offers occasional engaging moments yet suffers from uneven pacing and predictable plot turns. Critics suggest limited replay value due to a lack of sustained suspense, while some viewers note enough spark to warrant a second viewing for its thematic commentary. The overall sentiment points to a conditional appeal, resulting in a lower‑mid rewatch rating.

Rotten Tomatoes
review

55%

TOMATOMETER

review

78%

User Score

IMDb

5.0 /10

IMDb Rating

Movie Insider

2.40/5

From 5 fan ratings

Take the Ultimate Initiation Movie Quiz

Challenge your knowledge of Initiation with this fun and interactive movie quiz. Test yourself on key plot points, iconic characters, hidden details, and memorable moments to see how well you really know the film.


Initiation Quiz: Test your knowledge on the thriller 'Initiation' and its gripping storyline.

What event leads to Kylie's distress in the movie?

Full Plot Summary and Ending Explained for Initiation

See more

Read the complete plot summary of Initiation, including all major events, twists, and the full ending explained in detail. Explore key characters, themes, hidden meanings, and everything you need to understand the story from beginning to end.


During a lively homecoming party, sorority member Kylie, portrayed by Isabella Gomez, finds herself in a precarious situation when she is discovered unconscious and isolated in a room with three members of Sigma Nu Pi: Beau, played by [Gattlin Griffith](/actor/gattlin-gr Griffith), Dylan, portrayed by James Berardo, and Wes, acted by Froy Gutierrez. The following day, the fallout from this incident takes a harsh turn, as Kylie becomes the target of cruel and relentless mockery on social media. Distressed by the backlash, she seeks solace from her fellow sorority sister Shayleen, who subsequently approaches Ellery, another sister. Ellery, being Wes’s sibling, takes it upon herself to investigate the troubling circumstances surrounding her brother, particularly given his previous allegations of sexual assault.

As the plot thickens, tragedy strikes when Wes is fatally murdered by an unknown assailant. His lifeless body is discovered by Dylan and Beau, escalating the tension on campus. In the ensuing days, Chancellor Bruce Van Horn, portrayed by Lochlyn Munro, attempts to resurrect Wes’s reputation, focusing on his swimming talents and the potential that has now been lost forever. Concurrently, Detective Sandra Fitzgerald, played by Yancy Butler, and Officer Rico Martinez, depicted by Jon Huertas, embark on an investigation into Wes’s murder. Their inquiries reveal a shocking truth: the previous sexual assault allegations against Wes were hushed up by Chancellor Van Horn himself. The darkness deepens as Dylan and Beau also fall prey to the same mysterious murderer.

As tension escalates, Ellery confronts Van Horn, who is upset about her probing into the sensitive issue of sexual assault. Shortly after their interaction, the murderer corners Van Horn in his office, ultimately claiming his life. In a dramatic turn of events, Ellery reunites with Kylie, and the duo becomes entwined in peril as they witness the latest murder, triggering a harrowing chase that puts their lives on the line. The climax unfolds with a fierce struggle, where the women manage to stab their assailant, who is shockingly revealed to be Officer Martinez—the father of Kylie. His motives stemmed from a desperate need for vengeance, fueled by the discovery that the fraternity had been involved in similar heinous acts of violence, which the university scandalously covered up. The twisted web of betrayal and hidden truths culminates in a revelation that no one could have anticipated.

Uncover the Details: Timeline, Characters, Themes, and Beyond!

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Initiation Themes and Keywords

Discover the central themes, ideas, and keywords that define the movie’s story, tone, and message. Analyze the film’s deeper meanings, genre influences, and recurring concepts.


whodunitone word titleuniversityuniversity campusuniversity studentsocial mediaviolenceremakeexclamation marksexy womanathletebloodslashermurder spreechasesociopathpsychopathdangersurrealismmasturbationmale masturbationserial killermurderassassinationmale rear nudityco edpsychopathic killerslasher killermasked killermultiple murdersserial murdermale nudityindependent filmtitle spoken by character
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