by Shane Conto, Staff Writer
Sometimes real life can be just as interesting as the best told fiction. Many of you may have seen the film Out of Africa. In today’s context, most filmgoers might just remember it as some slow, old period drama. But if this story does not capture your fancy, there is a stranger and more intense story behind the woman behind this tale with the new film, The Pact. Danish author Karen Blixen (Birthe Neumann) found a new and fiery connection later in her life. When Blixen met Thornkild Bjørnvig (Simon Bennebjerg), both of their lives changed. Blixen is ill and alone, but when a young poet arrives in her life, she has a plan to change things for both. What follows is tragic and shocking.
But how does director Billie August bring this strange and intense story to life? In general, August delivers this period drama with fine filmmaking. There is a crispness to the frames, and each scene is layered with emotion. This story is filled to the brim with moments of tension, and August can bring this to life. There is a constant fire under the surface that adds a needed edge to this refined period drama. Where Blixen seems like a classy and influential author, there is something darker and more intense underneath. There is something interesting in a way that August can capture this intensity. The film contains a lot more emotion than I would have expected from a “stuffy period drama.”
August certainly delivers the goods in direction, but how does Bjørnvig’s memoir come to life? Blixen takes this innocent young poet who is in a safe and loving marriage and pushes him out of his element. This story is relatable and understandable. We all need that in our life sometimes. But where this film transcends this basic idea is the places that Blixen takes him, pushing him towards an affair with a woman who is more challenging and interesting. But what might be the most interesting point is the reason why. Something intense and fiery is boiling under the surface between Blixen and Bjornvig. There are plenty of twists and turns down the road in this narrative that will keep you on the edge.
But how does this cast bring such a complex web of relationships to life? By and large, Neumann steals this show. She is powerful and confident. The big award-winning persona comes to life on Neumann’s shoulders. But there is insecurity and fear underneath. Longing for what she had flows from Neumann’s performance perfectly. Her young counterpart Bennebjerg sparks with her on screen. Why does he listen to her every whim? Their chemistry is just so poignant, and you can feel the electricity. Obviously, their connection is the anchor, but Nanna Skaarup Voss as the sweet and honorable wife and Asta Kamma August as the interesting and alluring new woman each play their roles perfectly.
This might just seem like another period drama biography, but don’t be fooled. On the surface, that may seem true, but there is something much more interesting and fiery underneath. There is a passion and plenty of tension to enjoy in The Pact. Make the commitment and experience this quality drama.
Grade: B
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