Cast
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Crew
Director
- Oren Benamor
Writer
- Oren Benamor
- Dan Benamor
Producer
- Jon Shaivitz
- Mike Kopera
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
This Thriller/Horror film explores themes of fear and survival, delving into the psychological aspects of human nature when confronted with the unknown. Initiation presents a unique perspective on the horror genre by focusing on the psychological terror rather than relying on typical jump scares.
Director Oren Benamor 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 pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 2016, 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 Initiation took approximately 11 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 81 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 133 minutes long.
- The film contains approximately 1355 individual shots.
- The screenplay went through 14 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 8 weeks before filming began.
Historical Context
- In 2016, when this film is released:
- Climate change awareness was becoming a central global concern.
- Streaming services were revolutionizing film and television consumption.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
While Initiation shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Saw, which focuses more on action than character development, Initiation subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Saw III and Saw II explore similar territory, Initiation stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
