Fantasia '18 Film Review - Pledge

Justin (Zackery Byrd), Ethan (Philip Andre Botello), and David (Zack Weiner) are freshmen looking to pledge a frat. They tour around campus feeling rejection and being pranked at all points. After their latest rejection, a pretty girl Rachel (Erica Boozer) invites them to a party which they attend at a secluded mansion off campus. Once inside they are part of the best party of their lives then invited back the next night to pledge. However, things are different when they return. Host Max (Aaron Della Riva) Ricky (Cameron Cowperthwaite) and Bret (Jessi Pimentel) who were very friendly the night before are now barking orders, demanding responses of Yes, Sir putting the friends though increasing tough challengers.

Director Daniel Robbins working with writer Zack Weiner who plays David create a story that is primed for today. In the era of Charlottesville and the Alt-Right a shadowy group terrorizing in their minds lesser than individuals who are desperate to fit in. They are bully's sadists and psychopaths ready to show their superiority over others.

Weiner's script takes fraternity hazing in another direction. Here the venue is a beautiful mansion instead of a frat house. The number of fraternity brothers is reduced along with the those pledging. The hosts prefer the term social club to fraternity but the promise of belonging and network amongst the captains of industry still remain.

Pledge is an entertaining film underpinned by a storyline that delivers twists and turns plus a few unexpected swerves in the third act. Zackery Byrd's Justin and Aaron Della Riva's Max stand out on either side of the Pledge/ Host ledger. The horror is more psychological than physical in a story that will have to those looking to enter, in or just left the college arena. Followers, critics and observes of exclusive organizations will find some interest in the subject matter as well.

** 1/2 Out of 4.

Pledge | Daniel Robbins | U.S.A. | 2018 | Minutes.

Tags: Fraternity, Rushing, Rats, Ceremony, Rules, Party, Challenges, Mansion, Branding, Knives. Pledge Pin.