(dir. Nicholas McCarthy)
*First time viewing
The Pact
centers on Annie, a young woman whose stay at her deceased mother’s house
places her in the middle of a supernatural mystery involving her mother’s long
kept secret and a hidden room. McCarthy’s film is part ghost story and part
slasher film, though neither of these horror elements are used to their full
potential. One problem is that most of the film takes place in the daylight,
and the flat cinematography strips the film of much personality. The scenes in
the dark are more effective, but an over reliance on flickering lights and
creaking doors is too familiar. Where McCarthy is most effective is in the brief
dream sequences and an eerie moment with the film’s version of Google Maps. It
is in these moments that play with the audience’s attention to images that the
film’s dalliance with the surreal has the most impact.
In terms
of story, the film starts out strong with the promise of a compelling central
mystery but the film’s reliance on easy answers from clichéd supporting
characters quickly strip away the mystique. Once the answers are revealed,
nagging questions of story-logic start to poke holes in the film. The central
twist is no doubt surprising, though not entirely earned. The lack of motivation
in the central backstory regarding Annie’s mother lead to a rather unsatisfying
and quick ending that seems to have very little fallout. The Pact is really intriguing idea but one delivered without a
strong grasp of how to unravel mystery while creating tension.
Scare Factor: 2/5
The film contains a few genuinely creepy moments and images but even
that can’t save the film from disappointing climax and cheap final shot.
**Available to watch on Netflix Instant.
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