Plot Summary: Byron Hurt’s 2022 film Hazing takes an up-close look at college-based hazing rituals that result in both psychological hard and even deadly results. This documentary paints a painfully detailed picture of a variety of hazing rituals that can be traumatic at best and deadly at worst. Hurt brings you on a journey that unearths a world of toxic masculinity, brutal violence, humiliation, binge drinking, denial, and institutional coverups at the highest level.
I admit that I find the concept of having to prove one’s mettle to belong somewhere is something that is so incredibly alien. As much as I want to fit in with my peers, I could never imagine wanting nor subjecting myself to extreme pain both mentally and physically. However, thanks to Byron Hurt’s, Hazing, I have a much better understanding of why many choose to endure such treatment. There have been other feature films, short subjects and books detailing the devastating history and legacy of college-based hazing rituals. Therefore, I was wondering exactly what angle Hurt would bring to this film to make it a standout. Well, I am happy to report that Byron’s film does indeed offer a fresh spin on the subject in multiple ways.
First, and probably most importantly, Byron frames the film from the perspective of the family members of victims of hazing. This is an extremely smart choice because I think it’s easier to empathize when we can literally put a face and a name to these tragic events. Victim blaming, as Hurt points out in his film, is sadly a very real thing, so I think it’s refreshing to let the dead talk so-to-speak by way of their family members. We get heartbreaking stories of hopes and dreams that were senselessly and cruelly cut short. Thankfully, the film walks a fine line between telling these stories in an authentic way without feeling like cheap true crime exploitation.
To this end, Hurt takes this a step further and, in something new to the conversation, explores the impact hazing has on people of color. He also briefly touches on how systemic racism may play a part in some hazing death cases. The other thing that makes this a wholly interesting watch is how Bryon is very willing to get extremely personal about his own experience pledging and going through his own hell with lasting effects. He also talks very candidly about his own time hazing other pledges. I admit that this was actually pretty shocking, as I had never seen anyone admit to hazing on camera. Not only is this a powerful thing to admit to, but it helps get a better understanding of the mindset of someone actually doing these things. Of course, we also hear from survivors of hazing and even one that seems to, at least mildly, defend it. Rounding out the interviewees are psychologists that help explain the lasting scars from this practice.
Rare footage and other visual material help paint a detailed and stark picture of an epidemic that isn’t talked about nearly as much as it should be. Hazing from a technical standpoint is extremely well done with a bold visual style that made me think Hurt has made dozens of feature films instead of only two. I am grateful that Hazing pulls zero punches as it explores topics like toxic-masculinity, college cover-ups, and the devastating destruction that hazing causes. Byron Hurt bringing his own powerful story of redemption also adds something refreshing and impactful. The movie ends on a more hopeful note with some suggestions on how to course correct this serious issue moving forward. Hazing is as harrowing as it is powerful, not to be missed.
Hazing is an official selection of the 2022 Tribeca Film Festival.
Directors: Byron Hurt
Runtime: 103m
Cast: Byron Hurt, Patricia Strong-Fargas, Nikki High, Karim Saafir, Pamela Champion, Gerald Champion, Marie Andre, James Vivenzio, Jack Abele, Wendy Abele, Jo Hanna Burch, Brent Maclanahan II
Hazing is as harrowing as it is powerful, not to be missed.
Big film nerd and TCM Obsessed. Author of The Ultimate Guide to Strange Cinema from Schiffer Publishing. Resume includes: AMC’s The Bite, Scream Magazine etc. Love all kinds of movies and television and have interviewed a wide range of actors, writers, producers and directors. I currently am a regular co-host on the podcast The Humanoids from the Deep Dive and have a second book in the works from Bear Manor.
