Cast
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Mika Boorem
as Sarah Goodwin
Summer Glau
as Lindsey Goodwin
JoAnna Garcia Swisher
as Corinne
Tessa Thompson
as Esme
Morgan Fairchild
as Tina Goodwin
Jennifer Tilly
as Dr. Eugenia Hunter
Amber Brooke
as Vita
Caitlin Wehrle
as Alpha Nu #2
Jessica Luza
as Girl #1
Caroline Jahna
as Girl #2
Greer Howard
as Young Woman
Abigail Leigh
as Attendant
Raylee Magill
as P.E.D. #1
Ashley-Anne Parker
as Sorority Girl / Student / Witch
Ben Ziff
as Finn
Crew
Director
- Stuart Gillard
Producer
- Lampton Enochs
Reviews
Wuchak
_**A Tale of Two Sororities with telekinesis and the occult**_
Twin sisters (Mika Boorem & Summer Glau) start college in Louisiana where the former joins a sorority of outcasts while the latter is accepted by an uppity sorority. Both houses have uncanny secrets. Costars include: JoAnna Garcia, Jennifer Tilly and Morgan Fairchild.
"The Initiation of Sarah" (2006) is a remake of the 1978 television movie that was a knockoff of “Carrie” (1976) mixed with “Satan’s School for Girls” (1973). Fairchild returns here to play the mother of the two girls.
This is more of a revamping than a faithful remake as the only thing that’s the same is the basic set-up, which I’m fine with because who needs an exact repeat? There’s also a change in tone. The original flick was relatively realistic with weighty drama whereas this one is decidedly comic booky with unbelievable paranormal happenings and cheesy satanic rituals. The garish opening sequence tells all. The two protagonists aren’t as likable either.
On the positive side, JoAnna Garcia is beautiful (despite the devious character she plays) and Jennifer Tilly is more fascinating than Shelley Winters’ character in the original. There are also some thought-provoking new ideas. Unfortunately, the dull first act and the tedious fiery climax with the corresponding gobbledygook doom it.
The movie runs 1 hour, 28 minutes, and was shot at Centenary College, Shreveport, Louisiana.
GRADE: C-/C
Mar 7, 2022
Thematic Analysis
This Drama/Horror/Thriller/TV Movie film explores themes of fear and survival, delving into the psychological aspects of human nature when confronted with the unknown. The Initiation of Sarah presents a unique perspective on the horror genre by focusing on the psychological terror rather than relying on typical jump scares.
Director Stuart Gillard brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 2006, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of The Initiation of Sarah took approximately 20 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 96 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 141 minutes long.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 5 months to complete.
- The film contains approximately 2392 individual shots.
Historical Context
- In 2006, when this film is released:
- The September 11 attacks changed global security and politics.
- Environmental concerns were becoming more mainstream.
- Digital filmmaking technologies were transforming production processes and creating new opportunities.
How This Film Stands Out
While The Initiation of Sarah shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Ditto, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, The Initiation of Sarah offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like CODA and The Hatfields and the McCoys explore similar territory, The Initiation of Sarah stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: October 22, 2006
- Runtime: 1h 36m
