Well I got this for my birthday last year, after having read the book by Jodi Picoult. My mother had also read it and after we watched the film we were in complete agreement that it did not do the novel justice. Part of what makes the novel so enjoyable is the continuous flashbacks, and from what I can remember of the film these are extremely limited. I am aware that it would be difficult to transpose the whole novel to film, as it would be too long, but if it means cutting out main features such as the flashbacks, why bother?! And to make things worse, the plot has been completely changed. I believe that the sexual abuse Emily was exposed to when she was younger is a catalyst in the sad turn of events in her life. If she wasn't sexually abused she may have been able to abort her baby and wouldn't have felt trapped. However the abuse is completely omitted. And part of the drama of the story is that Melanie Gold burns her daughter's diary, which reveals everything, and the plot culminates in Chris' trial. However at the end of this film she hands over the diary and there IS no trial. This of course means the character of Jordan McAfee is not relevant, which is a pity as his character and personal life are an interesting sub-plot. Because of these things if you enjoyed the novel, this film almost seems a different story, and is very disappointing. However my sister watched the film with us, having not read the book and quite enjoyed it. She now wishes to read the book, so perhaps it is a good film for those who haven't read it. I would have rated this film lower if not for that fact.
Review of The Pact
The Pact
(2002 TV Movie)
Don't watch if you've read and enjoyed the book
7 June 2007
Warning: Spoilers