Rushed is a 2021 thriller film that explores the devastating consequences of fraternity hazing rituals. The movie follows Barbara O’Brien, an Irish Catholic mother whose life is turned upside down when her freshman son Jimmy dies during a fraternity hazing incident.
1. In What Kind Of Hazing Ritual Did Jimmy Participate?
The film opens by showing Jimmy participating in abusive and dangerous hazing rituals as part of his fraternity initiation, including being blindfolded and left in the woods, forced to crawl over broken glass, and having alcohol poured down his throat.
2. What Leads to Jimmy’s Death?
Jimmy ends up in a coma after fraternity president Steven spikes his drink and forces him to consume excessive amounts of alcohol. Tragically, Jimmy’s condition is so dire that Barbara and her family have no choice but to take him off life support.
3. What Forces Barbara to Take Matters in Her Own Hands?
Devastated by her son’s senseless death, Barbara spirals into depression. However, when the college rules that no one is liable for Jimmy’s death, Barbara decides to take action. She reaches out to other mothers who have lost their sons to fraternity hazing and compiles their stories to build a case for legal reform.
Barbara’s mission takes her all the way to Washington D.C. to meet with a senator who promises to draft anti-hazing legislation. But when months go by without any real action, a desperate Barbara resorts to more extreme measures for justice.
4. Does Barbara Kill Steven? ‘Rushed’ Ending Explained
In the chilling climax, Barbara abducts Steven at gunpoint and forces him to drive to a secure location. There, she duct tapes him to a chair and pours alcohol down his throat, mimicking what he had done to Jimmy.
Barbara then calls Steven’s parents on the phone and fires a gunshot while they listen, making them believe Steven is dead.
In the final scene, Barbara stands trial and reveals that her true intention was not to kill Steven, but to make his mother feel the same terror of potentially losing a child – even if only for a few minutes. She wanted Steven’s mother to understand the agony that she herself has endured from Jimmy’s death.
The film ends as Barbara makes an impassioned statement against unchecked hazing rituals that claim innocent young lives.
5. Is ‘Rushed’ Wort a Watch?
Siobhan Fallon Hogan gives an intense, emotional performance as the lead, capturing a mother’s grief and rage. Her screenplay develops the character thoughtfully, though some may find the plot overly familiar.
The hazing scenes are chilling and effective. However, the revenge thriller angle in the final act feels slightly rushed and unearned.
Overall, ‘Rushed’ is a well-acted exploration of the tragic aftermath of fraternity hazing, carried by Hogan’s compelling work. The production values are modest but solid.
The story resonates emotionally but struggles to balance its drama and thriller elements. Fans of Hogan or social issue dramas may find it impactful, but the film likely won’t convert many skeptics.
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‘Rushed’ highlights the barbarity of fraternity hazing practices that still take place, despite numerous deaths over the years. The film’s ending conveys the heartbreaking truth that no punishment can make up for the lives shattered by such cruelty.
