Init!ation

At Whiton University, a period of student partying and initiation rituals turns violent when a popular athlete is found murdered. As more deaths occur across the campus, a group of students, including Ellery, attempts to identify the masked killer. The investigation focuses on the school's hidden secrets and a recurring exclamation mark used as a sinister symbol in social media communications. This pursuit puts the students in direct danger as they uncover the truth behind the academy's dark past.

The 2021 horror mystery was directed by John Berardo, marking the first of two films he has directed, followed by The Mannequin in 2025. The screenplay was written by Berardo alongside Brian Frager and Lindsay LaVanchy. The ensemble cast features Lindsay LaVanchy as Ellery Scott, Isabella Gómez as Kylie Martinez, and Froy Gutierrez as Wes Scott, with supporting roles played by Gattlin Griffith, Shireen Lai, and Lochlyn Munro. Produced by XYZ Films and Shatterproof Films, the movie has a runtime of 96 minutes. Audience reception has been mediocre, with the film holding a 5/10 rating on IMDb based on 4,700 votes and a 5.2/10 rating on TMDB from 160 votes.