Released in 2009 and directed by Spaniard Jaume Collet-Serra ("House of Wax", 2005), "Orphan" is a cinematic chiller following the tale of a young couple who, as a means of dealing with the grief of losing a child, decide to adopt a shiny new youngster. To say the very least: they mess with the wrong kid.
Kate Coleman (Vera Farmiga)("The Departed", 2006), and her husband John (Peter Sarsgaard)("Jarhead, 2005) have felt a nasty strain on their marriage since their third child was stillborn. The painful memories of losing the baby still plague Kate's mind, who is also a recovering alcoholic (which is a key element in the distrust between the couple when things start to get a bit hairy). After much hesitation, soul-searching, and therapy Kate and John decide that it's time to go and "look at kids", as Kate so creepily states it, at the local orphanage.
They instantly fall in love with a sweet little Russian girl named Esther (Isabelle Fuhrman) who likes to spend her days painting pretty pictures, singing and smiling ever-so-innocently. Aww, how adorable. Naturally, Kate and John are more than happy to adopt this bundle of red roses and thus little Esther becomes the newest addition to Coleman family.
The early scenes of this flick make for a rather clever set-up. Esther seems adorable. An insightful, creative, unique little girl; and while the Coleman's deaf-mute daughter Max (Aryana Engineer) is elated to have a sister, their son Daniel (Jimmy Bennett) is rather less enthused. In fact, he bullies her and makes fun of the way she dresses to the point where you're like "Hey, lay off her dude". Indeed in the early minutes of the story his mysterious new sister plays the part of the perfect little daughter while he just looks like a total jerk; and if you allow yourself to forget that things aren't what they seem, you'll find yourself sitting comfortably in a wonderfully false sense of security.
It builds slowly, you see. An unnerving look here, a playground "accident" there. Eventually, it becomes apparent to Kate that little Esther may have some... issues. She sends her deaf sister on a joyride down a busy street, seriously injures another girl, oh... and then there's Sister Abigail, head of the orphanage, who ends up dead after warning the Colemans that bad shit happens when Esther's around. Of course, considering Kate's deliciously boozy past, nobody believes her when she voices her concerns. As a viewer, you feel desperate for her. She has a geniune concern for the safety of her children and all she gets in response to her worries is a "Yeah that's great. Go to rehab, drunkie".
As the story takes a disturbing turn, Kate's worries become more than validated and not-so-sweet Esther poses a serious threat to the lives and health of the entire Coleman household. And while treehouses burn and our naive couple argue, the ever-manipulative little girl whom they welcomed into their home sets about messing with their lives.
There are some questionable moments, sure. Perhaps it's just my writer mind at work but I'd say there are certainly a few plot problems. But screw that, all small issues are pretty much washed away by the great story and brilliant acting of the cast (and almost-sorta-alrightish acting of Bennett).
The star of the show is undoubtedly Esther. A part magnificently played by young actress Isabelle Fuhrman. Esther is a proper headcase, guys. If this chick was playing in the street.. I'm pretty sure Freddy Krueger, Jason Voorhees, Chuck Norris, Manbearpig and that creepy trenchcoat guy who stares you down at the bus stop would happily opt to take the long way 'round. To reference the poster tagline: there is most certainly something wrong with Esther. Without being spoileriffic, she's absolutely not what she seems. There's a super delicious twist to the tale that I wasn't expecting and you probably won't expect either. To the credit of writer Alex Mace, this story could've ended with a hundred different cliches but he opted to go in another direction. Plus, the twist itself further champions Fuhrman as an awesome little actress; and one that will undoubtedly be gracing cinema screens for decades to come if she's so inclined to make acting her calling.
In summary, "Orphan" is a highly disturbing thriller that will most likely have you gripped 'til the end. There are some folks out there who will tell you that this film "sends a bad message" and "will discourage people from adopting orphaned children". A valid argument, indeed. And so to those lovely people I simply say "lol, shut up".
THE VERDICT
I, Jin Sane, recommend this film to anybody currently in possesion of working human eyes. Seriously though, watch it.
Rating: 5/5
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