Disclaimer: Contains spoilers!
Plot Summary: Two girls make a pact to commit suicide but one backs out at the last second. Twenty years later the ghost of the girl who died wants to complete the pact with the survivor's daughter.
Review: Man, this movie wants so badly to stand alongside the Asian horror legends of the past but, ultimately, fails to deliver when it matters the most. Since the 2010s began we have only seen a handful of films that could have held their own against the greats of old, and it sucks to see the potential come and go yet again. "The Promise" presents the audience with gorgeous cinematography, a real-world setting that is as haunting as it is stunning, and an incredible premise complemented by edge-of-the-seat tension...but, somehow, this isn't enough. The filmmakers went with a less is more approach which works wonders in this classic, ghost story style. However, the filmmakers also went so overboard with this philosophy that they forgot you need a payoff--a Sadako coming out of the TV moment to finally satiate that tension.
So what makes "The Promise" worthwhile? Well, the story line about a suicide pact and a vengeful ghost is cool. Revolving the setting around the 1997 financial crash in Asia gives "The Promise" an added sense of realism that enhances the ghost story. Likewise, the incomplete skyscraper utilized for much of the setting is a fucking monument to architecture. Going back to what I said about less being more...the filmmakers mastered the fake-out. For the most part, I do appreciate these scares as the audience's expectations are being toyed with quite successfully. As such, many of the setups for the scares were original while staying true to the known formula. Connected to this is the way the story continually builds up its tension with a sense of urgency and dread. The main chick's daughter is about to turn 15, and the ghost wants to complete the suicide pact in a similar fashion since it was originally the mom's 15th birthday in 1997. Although counting down the days is certainly reminiscent of "Ring," it's a tried and true method that is simple yet effective. Another entertaining aspect is the nostalgia of the '90s. This wasn't even an aim of the film, but they pay a decent tribute to the '90s in the coolest of ways. Finally, I want to give credit to the main actresses since they bring it with their mother and daughter relationship.
With so many positives going for this movie, it was a bit shocking to see it fail to deliver by the ending. I can, essentially, break my issues down into three, glaring missteps. One: the ending is too melodramatic and not befitting of a horror. The semi-depressing yet hopeful fate of the characters was more along the lines of what I'd expect from a romance or family drama. Two: there is no goddamn payoff! Almost every scare becomes a tease where you see nothing or the ghost is only faintly in the background like once or twice. This is fine at the beginning, but, when you hint that the ghost is becoming more monstrous, you have to finally give a reveal at the climax. When we see the ghost under the sheet...that was the moment to finally deliver the goods. C'mon, dude. You can't come up with this many scary set-pieces only to show nothing every single time! Three: this is one of the most heartless and evil ghosts we've seen for no reason. I thought the ghost was supposed to be a friend? This ghost is really going to be this callous against an emotional 15 year old girl who was horrified by her best friend blowing her brains out in front of her? Really?! This ghost cannot be reasoned with whatsoever and wants to utterly destroy the main chick's life and child just because she was too scared to commit suicide? I thought maybe there would be some revelation fueling this overwhelming fury but nope. Furthermore, the ghost's efforts go unresolved with her--what--giving up? I feel like we needed a moment where the mom pleas with the ghost face to face or something. Oh well.
All things considered, "The Promise" is still a good film...it just could have been better. While it fails to deliver on a satisfying conclusion or payoff, it does present a compelling story full of tension and commendable acting from the players. Although I've discussed how we don't see much from the ghost physically, the scares are still effective. I know I was on edge multiple times since these scenes are presented so well. The pros definitely outweigh the cons, however, I think it's important to understand the dynamics of the film before giving it a view; some may better appreciate that the film avoids the long-haired, ghost girl tropes altogether.
Notable Moment: When the mom finds this kid that can see ghosts and they explore the building together. In particular, the ghostly shadow on the wall scene--eerily similar to "Gonjiam: Haunted Asylum" that I just reviewed--was a fantastic concept and probably the closest we got to seeing what the ghost's face looked like. Why didn't they just make her walk out of that shadow?! Seriously, come on, people! Deliver!
Final Rating: 6/10
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