The Pact [2022] Review : A dull and disappointing adaptation of Thorkild Bjørnvig’s memoir

The Faustian relationship between Karen Blixen, the acclaimed Danish author best known for her autobiographical novel “Out of Africa,” and Thorkild Bjørnvig, a young poet and scholar who submits himself completely for the sake of art, forms the core of Bille August’s new feature The Pact (Pagten). Adapted from Bjørnvig’s own titular memoir, August navigates this unusual bond between two minds with sober touches – its heady psychological demands not resulting in an adequate bite to leave its mark.

The Pact begins with sly confidence, not surprising since it is directed by Bille August, double Palme d’Or winner, whose Pelle the Conqueror (1987) showed similar ease in navigating dramatic complexities. Yet the film barely manages to reveal the unfurling of a truly unique relationship- so much of the unpredictability of its characters are told so plainly that it betrays the intelligence of the audience. This is all the more palpable since it is about intelligent people swinging their reflexes at one point and conniving at each other when required.

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The intricate dynamic that develops between Blixen (a magnetic Birthe Neumann) and Bjørnvig ( Simon Bennebjerg) does not feel comfortable from the first conversation itself. His wife Grete (a scene-stealing Nanna Skaarup Voss) assures him that she must have surely read his poems, but he is disappointed to know it’s not true. Still, when he learns why an author of her stature has called a novice like him, he is enamored. She promises him stardom if he will obey her unconditionally. He always wanted a guide, he says. Back home he has his wife and a child to take care of. He also knows about his future as a writer, and how much he is able to write in the given circumstances. Unaware of the things to come, he chooses the pact.

From hereon, August plays out the drama in the looming interiors of Blixen’s estate. Bjørnvig is given room to stay, which also means he would have to stay away from his family. The uneasiness settles primarily through Bennebjerg’s face, who balances out the littlest of motivations in a reserved character without having to do much. He is balanced perfectly by Neumann, who radiates a certain amount of enigma, even when her inner battles remain shockingly sidelined from the narrative. Even her physical torment with syphilis is thoughtlessly covered in two overlapping scenes- one wonders why. As much as what Blixen is able to express through her razor-sharp words, Neumann strides along with it with predictable grit. Yet she cannot help with a timid, almost cowardly (in her own words) script by Christian Torpe that does not trust her beyond the expressed.

The same occurs in the way things turn up for Thorkild Bjørnvig, which never gets to his untapped reserve of zeal. Even when he says he is able to write more, there is no possibility of the audience coming to terms with his brimming determination. His passion for writing settles in the same way as his desperation to unite with his family. As The Pact moves ahead, Bjørnvig will take up a short stay at Bonn, trying to see the world and its ways while attending lectures at the University. There he will feel lonely and Blixen will send Benedicte (Asta Kamma August), to give him company. If this sounds off, then trust these scenes to feel exactly that way. The entire segment at Bonn feels unduly stretched and tiresome, and by the time the consequences cut deep one simply does not care.

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The only bright spot here, other than cinematographer Manuel Alberto Caro’s assured work, is Nanna Skaarup Voss, who plays Grete with way more intelligence than those around her. Her Grete might be brought down to toe the duties of a driven wife and mother, but Voss somehow manages to raise Grete above her responsibilities in a way that feels ultimately human. One wishes the same could apply for the film as well. The Pact begins with promise but loses track soon, and by the time it reaches its tethering finale, one is not only disappointed but also disconnected from it all. Considering The Pact tags along with such promise and hope, there’s no rawness of its own. It’s either too neat or too tidy- smoothening out any traces of desire from its surface.

★★

Trailer

The Pact (Pagten) Links – IMDb
The Pact (Pagten) Cast – Birthe Neumann, Simon Bennebjerg, Nanna Skaarup Voss, Asta Kammma August, Andres Heinrichsen