Review of The Pact (2012) by Jonny B — 09 Jun 2012

Nicholas McCarthy's haunted house style horror has some potential to become a spine tingling affair; this is until a shambolic second half to the film which is flawed, dull and utterly bizarre!

Annie (Caity Lotz), is searching for answers after her sister's (Agnes Bruckner) vast disappearance and believes she has abandoned her family and child because life became a little difficult. However, when Annie goes to Nicole's (sister) home with friend Liz (Kathleen Rose Perkins), she is left horrified and disturbed after Liz vanishes and she is attacked by an invisible force. Only Creek (Casper Van Dien) is willing to help her find answers to these strange disappearances.

Honeslty, some parts of the Pact are quite terrifying to say the least. It may not build any new bridges but certain scenes, especially where actress Hayley Hudson makes contact with the spirits is impressively chilling. Atmosphere is built up excellently; it is always the far superior terror in comparison to the classic jump.

Sadly, what is a strong premise falls flat with an abysmal final half to the film which sees very little concluded, a very underwhelming finale in which Annie comes face to face with her terror. Afterwards, instead of the film having a twisted supernatural rhythm to it, we are left with a ludicrous scenario which involves a psychopathic serial killer!

While The Pact may be powerfully acted and have a very nice first half to it, director McCarthy set alight all of his previous success by concluding his film in a dis-jointed, not-believable and incredibly flawed manner!