Beyond the Drawer

The Initiation (1984)—directed by Larry Stewart—is a slasher film that incorporates mystery and psychological thriller plot points. It was a late entry in the slasher cycle that began with John Carpenter’s Halloween (1978), and continued with imitators such as Friday the 13th (1980). But The Initiation proves to be a film far superior to many other movies that preceded it. In this college-based slasher, Kelly (Daphne Zuniga) is a student who has been plagued by a recurring nightmare. In addition to dealing with the troubling dream, she is pledging a sorority and must break into her father’s department store at night—alongside some other pledges—to complete a hazing ritual. What begins as an innocent prank turns deadly when the young coeds get locked inside the building and are stalked by a killer. This film has a fascinating story, interesting characters, and stylish cinematography. Although it is not entirely original, The Initiation takes the slasher movie to unexpected places.