In Ethan Berger’s feature narrative debut, we experience the harrowing world of fraternity hazing through the viewpoint of Alex Wolff’s Tom, a devoted “brother” from a fictional college fraternity.
The film explores the concept of blind adherence to tradition, a theme that is ever-present in the world of fraternity culture. Tom is charmed by the promises of high social status and alumni connections that open doors, and pledges allegiance to an institution without fully understanding the cost of that loyalty. As the sophomore year begins, Tom’s view of his fraternity culture, and his own identity, is challenged by a new acquaintance outside his social circle (Halle Bailey) and by the dangerous fraternity hazing antics perpetrated by his best friend (Bo Mitchell) as he goes to war with a freshman pledge Gettys (Austin Abrams) who won’t conform.
As the exuberant freedom of college darkens, Tom’s dedication to his fraternity threatens to overshadow his future
and makes him question everything he thought he valued. Led by Wolff’s gut-wrenching performance, the coming-of-age film also stars Mitchell, Bailey, Abrams, Lewis Pullman, Angus Cloud, Scoot McNairy, Denise Richards, Cheri Oteri, and John Malkovich.
The cast and creators gathered at SVA Theatre on Friday to celebrate the premiere of their film at Tribeca Festival. In attendance was Austin Abrams (Cast), Ryan Alexander (Executive Producer), Ethan Berger (Writer/ Director), Alexandre Dauman (Producer), Ted Feldman (Editor), Stacey Grant (Executive Producer), Taylor Grant (Executive Producer), Graham Patrick Martin (Cast), Bo Mitchell (Cast), Akua Murray (Costume Designer), Francesca Palombo (Production Designer), Jack Parker (Producer), Adam Paulsen (Producer), Lewis Pullman (Cast), Zack Purdo (Executive Producer), Will Ropp (Cast), Alex Russek (Writer), Lije Sarki (Producer), Ramanan Sivalingam (Executive Producer), Stefan Weinberger (Director of Photography), Alex Wolff (Cast), Dustin Zhang (Executive Producer), and Daniel Rossen (Composer).
We got to chat with Wolff and Berger about this wonderful film, check out the conversation below!