This story is manipulated in every possible way because there’s so many, why didn’t they just do this or why didn’t they just do that. Well, they didn’t of course to move the story along. A lot of Orphan is so foreseeable I just shook my head thinking, “Oh, of course.” I can’t lie though. Even with all of the contrivances, I was INTO the movie. It invoked so many emotions in me.

The trailer says it all –really. A married couple Kate (Vera Farmiga, Nothing But the Truth) and John Coleman (Peter Sargarrd, Jarhead) decide to adopt an older child from the local orphanage after sadly losing their baby. They come across sweet and polite Esther (Isabelle Fuhrman, Hounddog) and are instantly drawn to her. They bring Esther home to be apart of their family and from that moment it’s on! All kind of crazy incidents happen and Kate feels with every fiber of her being that Esther is causing them. Kate tries to get hubby John and others to look past Esther’s sugary façade, but her words seem to fall on deaf ears and it may be too late to keep her family safe.

Esther is one creepily good villain. I’ve seen a lot of villains, but she is exceptionally great. The actress who played the part did a fantastic job of embodying the character. She knew exactly what part she was playing and how to play her – just plain wicked!

Orphan has a really good premise. You get it right away. Is it wrong? Sure it’s wrong. My original thought after seeing the trailer was, “Oh heck naw! I’m not trying to adopt an older child. I know that’s wrong, but this flick lays it on real thick. I bet there are a lot of organizations and people out there that are truly upset with this film and the one line Esther tells her parent, “It must be difficult to love an adopted child as much as your own.” The adoption community is probably real HOT about Orphan.

I’m not sure that Orphan is scary. I’m definitely sure it’s disturbing and very creepy. This is truly a straight up psycho-kid thriller. And you might feel the need to want to slap Esther a few times across the room. I don’t condone abuse, but it will cross your mind when you get a funky taste of Esther.

Bravo for the casting. The younger daughter Max (Aryana Engineer) is so adorable. Her sweet little smile made me want to go make a baby and hope that she’d be as darling as her. Hmmm…then the thought passed.

Anyhoo, this film is rated R and definitely should be. It’s violent, gruesome and disconcerting to say the least. There are good sub-plots that move the story forward and aid with getting good insight on the characters. Orphan is 2 hours long and it provides plenty of time for us to invest in the characters, which I feel, is great in suspenseful thrillers like this. This is a film that is good for a matinee or nighttime. Just know, it’s very eerie and diabolical to its very core.

My Rating ~ 4 Reels

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Warning! Reel Talk is my to-the-point comments and opinions—and it contains spoilers. Don’t read this if you plan to watch this movie!

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Orphan

I've seen a lot of villains and Esther is right up there at the top as disturbingly great.

Movie Details

Synopsis

Review

My Rating ~ 4 Reels

Audience Rating (What's Yours?)

Reel Talk

Warning! Reel Talk is my to-the-point comments and opinions—and it contains spoilers. Don’t read this if you plan to watch this movie!

Sister Abigail

The Twist

John