Review of The Pact (2012) by Josh E — 02 Mar 2014

This film is such a mixed bag.

From everyone but the lead actress, the acting is painful to watch...what exacerbates this issue is the godawful script. Much of the dialogue is entirely derivative and only points out something that is visible and obvious on screen. The film ends on a high note, but has that "we'll defy logic and undo everything we've done right just for a single-shot gotcha moment" scene at the end that leaves the viewer wondering if the director is baiting a sequel or just being a jackass.

Despite these many flaws, there is a truly interesting story here with some genuinely gripping and tense moments. The entire "big reveal" is surprising yet logical, and the resolution of this reveal in the third act is nail biting and terrifying.

I recommend this film but with hesitation, but an editor willing to stand their ground against the director's bad ideas, better actors, and most the dialogue cut...this would be a horror film that would be looked at in a decade as one of the greats. As is, it's too flawed to be remembered...which is a pity, there's some great stuff here.