The Initiation

A college student, Kelly, is plagued by terrifying nightmares and flashbacks stemming from a childhood trauma. To cope, she decides to undergo an initiation ritual for her sorority, which involves breaking into a deserted department store. Unbeknownst to the sorority sisters, a psychopathic killer, Peter, who has a twisted connection to Kelly's past, is lurking within the store, ready to turn their initiation into a night of brutal terror.

The Initiation is a typical slasher film of the 1980s, often overlooked but appreciated by fans of the genre for its atmospheric tension and early performances from its cast. While not critically acclaimed, it has garnered a cult following.

• The film effectively builds suspense with its slasher tropes.

• Features some surprisingly strong performances for a low-budget horror flick.

• Its plot can be convoluted, and some scenes are less impactful than others.

Google audience: Audience reviews generally find 'The Initiation' to be a serviceable 80s slasher with a few memorable moments, though some note its plot can be somewhat weak and predictable.

Daphne Zuniga's character, Kelly, is attacked by the killer while she is alone in the store and hears a specific lullaby that triggers her recurring nightmares, a motif that connects her trauma to the present terror.