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Pledge Movie + Trailer Horror Hazings

Pledge 2019

Pledge the movie, takes the old tradition of hazing and pumps the plot with some pretty sick stuff. The creators of the Pledge movie wanted to explore not only just how far a hazing ritual could go but jam real-world themes into it too. Themes like macho stereotypes and, above all the innate desire in wanting to belong. Read on to find out whether there are any real-life hazing events in history. Mother of Movies has included the Pledge movie trailer as well as some pretty twisted anecdotes from real-life stories.

With that said, the Pledge movie was made with a low budget on the heels of Daniel Robbins, Mark Rapaport, and Zachary Weiners’ Uncaged (2016) creature feature. Filmmakers used the money they recouped and gathered another $15 000 using Kickstarter. Pledge’s writer Zachary also stars in the film as David.

Where to Watch the Pledge Movie

Pledge is on most VOD platforms since January 11, 2019.

Pledge Movie Online Trailer

YouTube video

The Cast of Pledge

Pledge, the movie, cast includes stars Zachery Byrd, Aaron Dalla Villa, Cameron Cowperthwaite, Jesse Pimentel, Phillip Botello, Zachary Weiner, Joe Gallagher, Jean-Louis Droulers, and, Erica Boozer.

Is Hazing a Real Thing?

Hazing and fraternity and mishaps do actually result in death. In fact, death-related hazing can be traced back to the 1830s. There’s even a research group assigned to look into events as well as plenty of court cases and liable suits. Alcohol poisoning is the biggest contributor and some of the stories are pretty gruesome. To list just a few real-life-not-in-movies hazing instances where the cause of death was through attempting initiation to get into a group including:

  • Running or falling off objects while blindfolded,
  • ‘Piling’ where people all pile on top of each other,
  • Being run over by vehicles,
  • Choking on the food they were forced to eat,
  • Heatstroke and heart attacks from prolonged strenuous activity,
  • Being beaten.

Pledge Movie Review, Is Hazing Real?

In the opening scenes, after a sneak peek of a grizzly distant image obviously taken from the end of the film, we meet Justin, David, and, Ethan. Firstly they are shown going from one place to another trying unsuccessfully to gatecrash the fraternity they desperately want to be in. They epitomize that feeling of inherently wanting to hang with the cool kids. The trio seems sweet but desperate.

Next, a foreboding feeling is cast over everything by a simple offer for the young trio to hang out. It’s something that as a viewer we know is too good to be true. The fledgling pledges get invited back to the party house they have just enjoyed as a follow-up to being a permanent fraternity member. Of course, the trio returns to go through the process of trying to win a spot in the exclusive club. Suddenly, the mood, atmosphere, and, banter are changed.

The guys they partied with just yesterday slowly reveal a hidden regime. Things escalate to the extreme so quickly, that it’s easy to dismiss a lack of fear amongst its willing participants. The boys are quick to complain and talk about leaving early on and of course, they question the new tasks. But the jump to what I can only describe as not for the weak of stomach leaves it impossible for the newbies to find an opportunity to do anything but comply.

Are You Sure the Pledge movie is Low-Budget?

If I can say one thing about this film is that its cinematic feel and quality punch way above its kick-starter weight. The performances are fantastic and, the dialogue is fitting. Despite the film’s lack of in-your-face gore, I had to look away several times during one very well-done scene.

Whether or not you guess where this story is headed, I certainly didn’t until it had well and truly reared its hidden agenda head. There are enough sub-plot elements and character depth to keep you engaged. I was also left pondering exactly how the initial shot at the beginning of the film could ever arrive at where it ends up.

Sitting smugly on the edges of torture porn without graphically delving into its depths, Pledge movie is a 78 neat minute flick. One that certainly doesn’t mess around highlighting the niceties of frat life.

Pledge the movie is rated

3.5 don’t eat that out of 5

3.5 Skulls out of 5
3.5 Skulls out of 5
Mother of Movies score

2018 saw Mother of Movies get some remote press reviewing done for the Fantasia Film Festival. Covering such an illustrious event has been such a great thing. The Pledge movie was part of this festival and the movie premiered there but didn’t release on VOD until 2019. At the 2018 Screamfest, this film took out the Best Director and Best Editor categories.

Zachery Byrd in the Pledge movie
Cameron Cowperthwaite, Aaron Dalla Villa, and, Jesse Pimentel
Pledge 2018
Courtesy of BoulderLight Pictures and Stag Pictures with IFC Midnight.

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