Trevor Johnston Radio Times Jul 22, 2024 2/5

The climactic showdown and final twist are ably achieved, but by that time our interest has waned significantly.

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Dallas King Flick Feast Nov 12, 2022 2/5

It may pledge to be “Gen Z’s answer to Scream” but Initiation doesn’t quite make the grade.

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Joe Lipsett Horror Queers Podcast Mar 9, 2022 4/5

A thoughtful and welcome consideration of grief masquerading as a slasher (albeit still a good one), Initiation is a stunning showcase for co-writer and lead actress Lindsay LaVanchy.

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Trace Thurman Horror Queers Podcast Jan 4, 2022 3.5/5

An inspired and effective semi-slasher that doubles as a mostly effective critique of rape culture. Co-writer and lead actress LaVanchy is one to watch.

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Tyler Doupe Dread Central Jul 26, 2021 2.3/5

Initiation has some of the ingredients of a great slasher but sadly does not realize its full potential.

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Natasha Alvar Cultured Vultures May 28, 2021 6/10

The first half of Initiation is competent and well-done. Unfortunately, the slasher elements don't gel well with the narrative that was built up, so the end result is quite the mixed bag.

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Bobby LePire Film Threat May 25, 2021 10/10

While it's not hard to guess all that Initiation has in store, the writers ably ensure that each component complements the rest in a truly invigorating fashion.

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J.D. Gillam Starburst May 20, 2021 2/5

The cinematography is pretty decent but, aligned with a story that looks like it's been written and directed by those who have seen a couple of '80s slashers and thought they could easily pull it off, it doesn't make up for the shortfalls elsewhere.

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Rob Aldam Backseat Mafia May 20, 2021

Mixes modern campus sexual politics and online bullying with an old-school slasher tale to create an uneven yet entertaining revenge thriller.

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Cath Clarke Guardian May 18, 2021 2/5

The kills get boring very quickly; I've seen cheese-grater injuries that were more grisly.

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Kat Hughes THN May 17, 2021 3/5

Not quite an instant slasher classic, but Initiation still retains enough spark to entice and excite a new audience to the sub-genre.

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Gregory Lawrence Collider May 17, 2021 A-

A unique indie horror-thriller, one with an unprecedented sense of maturity in its filmmaking and thematic aims.

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Christy Lemire FilmWeek (LAist) May 13, 2021

No horror movie ever gets the fraternity-sorority scene right, but this one is trying to be thoughtful, at least.

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Tim Cogshell FilmWeek (LAist) May 13, 2021

This is better than an average hack-and-slash, thinking about more than just blood and gore -- although there is plenty of blood and gore.

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Aaron Neuwirth We Live Entertainment May 12, 2021 4/10

The writing does the film no real favors.

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Terry Mesnard Gayly Dreadful May 11, 2021 3/5

While the why isn't difficult to ascertain, the way the finale doubles down on the tragedy of the events makes Initiation a decent new addition in the slasher subgenre.

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Frank Swietek One Guy's Opinion May 10, 2021 C

Beraro's attempt to meld the traditional slasher template with contemporary social concerns is an interesting experiment that doesn't quite come off.

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Mike McGranaghan Aisle Seat May 9, 2021 1.5/4

It starts off seeming as though it has something to say about sexual assault, only to have the message get bogged down in boring old slasher clichés.

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Adam Graham Detroit News May 8, 2021 D+

Don't bother trying to figure out whodunnit because the revelation makes no sense.

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Todd Jorgenson Cinemalogue May 8, 2021

Showing slightly more ambition than the usual college slasher flick, this gory murder mystery nevertheless mostly conforms to expectations in an overcrowded genre.

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