The Initiation
We encounter a lot of challenges in life. Most of us struggle to find our purpose and the right path to lead us to the journey towards a better future. Though the world is big enough for all its living creatures, most of us have to go through hurdles and difficulties to find their spot, and unfortunately, many are trapped inside a hollow space with certainties of going nowhere. The twist of fate may seem cruel to some, which often leads to unfortunate choices. And at times, it ignites the feeling that we need to belong to a certain group or clique in order to survive, even if submitting one’s self is the price in the process. But will the pack help one to keep on going and growing as a person or will they hold him back and lead him to a downfall? Amir Youssef’s short drama will bring you closer to a life on the other side of the track. Where surviving means pledging one’s life and loyalty to those who proclaimed they are in charge. And where the beginning means the start of the end. Witness how a colorful and creative mind, a hopeful heart, and a yearning soul, Pedro got himself lost in the dark side, in the intense tearjerker “The Initiation”
The Initiation had my eyes unexpectedly running with tears. I felt that this story is a tale of someone who’ll never have his voice be heard, someone whose dreams are shattered and but a mere memory lost forever. When I was young, we used to live on ‘that’ side of the track, and boys like Perdo are no stranger to me. These youngsters who are trying to man up just to prove their existence, however, still oblivious to the truth of their reality. In this film, director Amir Youssef together with co-writer Alba Roland Meija bridges the story of a young graffiti artist by the name of Pedro(Christopher Batres) and a homeless man named David (Pancho Lopez Jr.). These two people have distinct similarities to their situation, lost, alone, striving each day for a purpose. Little did they know that their lives and appreciation in life will be intertwined in the most unfortunate situation they could have ever imagined. Are they sad victims of life’s circumstances? Or are these mere results of their life choices? Better find out, and I am quite sure that it will leave a hole in your heart like how it did to mine.
Though the story is sad, I appreciate it a lot because somewhere out there, something like this has happened or is happening; a story we all need to see and be aware of. Also, I like the whole delivery of the film storywise as well as its technical aspects, director Amir Youssef transmitted it with a certain kind of rawness in a sense where anyone who gets to watch it will feel the gravity of the story’s core message. Lastly, commendations on the cinematography and ensemble cast. It was an excellent viewing experience. The cinematography is so fine that it enhanced the mood of the story and the intensity of the scenes. The cast ( Christopher Batres, Carlos Mendoza, Asiana Weddington, and Pancho Lopez Jr.) is one of the best groups I have seen so far this season. I felt their dedication and commitment to the characters they portray to be able to execute what was needed in the story, kudos to that! Overall, this is an outstanding drama ready to compete with the best of the best this season. Astounding work, keep it up!
