Is The Initiation Worth Watching?
Answer: Maybe not, The Initiation is likely a skip if you enjoy Horror movies.
It features a runtime of 97 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to mature audiences.
The Initiation Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 1984, The Initiation emerges as a significant entry in the Horror, Mystery, Thriller domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of An amnesiac sorority member who has been plagued by a recurring nightmare is stalked alongside other coeds by a killer in a deserted department store where they are completing a hazing ritual. Unlike standard genre fare, The Initiation attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a conventional take on its central themes.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Horror is often anchored by its ensemble, and The Initiation features a noteworthy lineup led by Vera Miles . Supported by the likes of Clu Gulager and Daphne Zuniga , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
In summary, our editorial assessment of The Initiation (1984) is mixed. With an audience rating of 5.5/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
The Initiation Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: The Initiation is a Horror, Mystery, Thriller film that crafts an atmosphere of dread and suspense, using psychological terror and visual scares. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
The Initiation Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: The Initiation attempts to tie together its various plot elements. The finale presents its approach to horror resolution.
The final reveal recontextualizes earlier scenes, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes by addressing its primary narrative threads, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Character journeys reach their narrative endpoints, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the horror themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of The Initiation reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch The Initiation?
Consider Watching If:
- You're a completist for Horror films
- You're curious despite mixed reviews
- You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
Advertisement
Full Cast & Crew of The Initiation
- Vera Miles – Frances Fairchild
- Clu Gulager – Dwight Fairchild
- Daphne Zuniga – Kelly Fairchild
- James Read – Peter
- Marilyn Kagan – Marcia
Top Highlights
Vera MilesFrances Fairchild
Clu GulagerDwight Fairchild
Daphne ZunigaKelly Fairchild
James ReadPeter
Marilyn KaganMarcia
Robert DowdellJason Randall
Patti HeiderNurse Higgins
Frances PetersonMegan
Hunter TyloAlison (as Deborah Morehart)
Paula KnowlesBeth
Where to Watch The Initiation Online?
Streaming Hub📺 Stream on
Amazon Prime Video
Amazon Prime Video with Ads🎟️ Rent on
Amazon Video
Apple TV
Google Play Movies
YouTube
Fandango At Home🏷️ Buy on
Amazon VideoApple TVGoogle Play MoviesYouTubeFandango At HomeParents Guide & Age Rating
The Initiation is rated R. Parents should be aware that it contains frightening scenes, intense suspense, mature themes, violence. It is intended for mature audiences only.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 5.5/10, and global collection metrics, The Initiation stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1984 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Initiation movie hit or flop?
The Initiation has received mixed reviews with a 5.5/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is The Initiation worth watching?
The Initiation is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Horror, Mystery, Thriller movies, but read reviews first.
Where can I watch The Initiation online?
The Initiation is currently available for streaming on Amazon Prime Video. You can also check for it on platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Amazon Prime Video with Ads depending on your region.
Best Movies to Watch if you liked The Initiation
How The Initiation Compares & Where it Ranks
Critic Reviews for The Initiation
**_A mad slasher is loose in Dallas, including the local Mall_** Several sorority pledges in the Dallas area must undergo initiation by breaking into a local mall at night. Unfortunately, some mentally disturbed patients have escaped the asylum and so a psycho is on the loose, showing up at the mall during the prank. I thought "The Initiation” (1984) was going to be an occultic horror-thriller in the manner of "The Initiation of Sarah" (1978) and "Satan's School for Girls" (1973), but that’s not the case, although the setting is similar. This is a slasher akin to "Happy Birthday to Me" (1981), just with less-polished production values and the milieu of the Dallas-Fort Worth area as opposed to the Northeast. I wasn’t impressed with the beginning, but the flick eventually won me over despite the TV movie vibe (with edge, including nudity and gore). It also has a superior ending to the eye-rolling one in “Happy Birthday to Me.” It’s worth checking out for aficionados of 80’s slashers. The rough start can be attributed to the original director being removed from the production due to falling behind schedule and exceeding the budget. He had Euro arthouse sensibilities and this clashed with the producers’ desire for a mainstream slasher. The film runs 1 hour, 37 minutes, and was shot in Dallas, including Dallas Market Center for the Mall scenes, as well as nearby Fort Worth. GRADE: B-
movieMx Verified
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
