'Orphan' is a truly incredible viewing experience in every way. Not only does it benefit from a talented cast of actors and actresses that all deliver strong performances (including the child actors), but the mystery and tension is built up slowly leading to a mind-blowing conclusion that no one could see coming.
Isabelle Fuhrman gives an excellent performance as Esther, bringing an element of sweetness and innocence to her, but also a sinister quality too. Vera Famiga is excellent as always and remains one of my favourite modern day actresses in the horror genre. Whilst the entire cast give worthy performances, Isabelle and Vera's stand out and really took the movie to another level.
As for the plot itself, it's incredible. The trap that most horrors fall into is one of predictability. 'Orphan' remains to this day one of the only movies whereby I was unable to predict the ending and was completely blown away by the twist. The twist is strengthened by the fact that despite how shocking it is, it feels very realistic and not at all far-fetched (even if it is somewhat unlikely).
The pacing is just right, with the pieces of the puzzle being slowly revealed and the tone growing darker and darker as the movie progresses, all leading up to the very satisfying conclusion. The inclusion of children in the main cast is a smart move as it adds to the disturbing quality of the movie with them bearing witness to some pretty disturbing stuff.
All in all 'Orphan' is an unforgettable movie that is original and haunting, with fantastic performances to further expand upon it's impact. In my opinion, it's a must see for all horror or thriller fans.
Orphan
2009
Action / Horror / Mystery / Thriller
Orphan
2009
Action / Horror / Mystery / Thriller
Synopsis
Kate and John Coleman are rebuilding their troubled marriage after the loss of their baby. The couple decide to adopt a child. When they meet the nine-year-old Estonian girl, Esther, at the St. Marina Orphanage, they immediately fall in love with the well-educated orphan. Their young son, Daniel, is hostile to his new sister; but their deaf mute daughter, Max, is enchanted with her - at first. Eventually, Kate begins to feel that Esther is manipulative and possibly even psychologically disturbed. John refuses to listen to his wife's misgivings. Kate calls Sister Abigail at the orphanage, and the nun informs her that Esther has a troubled and mysterious history. Kate delves further into Esther's past and discovers she is not what she claims to be.
Uploaded By: OTTO
Downloaded 171,457 times
July 02, 2012 at 06:05 AM
Tech specs
720p.BLU 1080p.BLUMovie Reviews
Still remains one of the best horrors to date
"Orphan" is like a quiet, boring kid that suddenly discovers an obsession with arson.
6.9/10 Gets better and better the more ridiculous it gets. The ending really managed to breath life into the dullness of the first half. Excellent performances all around, even from the kids. Has all elements to be a really good movie, but it happens to be just ok. Probably worth watching, wasn't in flamboyant love with it. Really appreciated that it dared to go in such a twisted direction in the end.
Best modern day twist ever
OMG! The twist in this movie makes the whole thing even better than I thought it was up to that point. It's a really well crafted, nicely paced horror/thriller that has a frighteningly real aspect to it. It makes me question whether or not I should ever actually have kids LOL.