Orphan (2009)

O Masterpiece

O Excellent

X Good

O OK

O Mediocrity

O Avoid

Review by Jason Pyles / July 24, 2009

In the movies, horror often happens to families that deserve it least. From earlier this year, “The Haunting in Connecticut” depicts a family whose primary haunting victim also suffers from cancer.

“Orphan,” which is also set in Connecticut, afflicts a family already afflicted by the loss of their baby. The characters’ vulnerability evokes our pity for them. Our concern heightens the suspense of watching their peril.

“Orphan” is another “evil child flick,” akin to “The Good Son” (1993), “Godsend” (2004) or “Children of the Corn” (1984). John and Kate Coleman (Peter Sarsgaard and Vera Farmiga) have two children, but after their third child is stillborn, they decide to “give their love to another child who needs it.”

At St. Mariana Home for Girls they find Esther, a 9-year-old orphan from Russia who is well-mannered, intelligent and uncommonly insightful. After quickly deciding that Esther should be a part of their family, the couple adopt her.

But “something is wrong with Esther.” Among other things, she seems to be an evil seed, a cunning master manipulator whose propensity for violence is reminiscent of a Joe Pesci wise guy.

Isabelle Fuhrman plays Esther. In preparation for her role, the young actress learned some sign language and studied Russian to develop an accent, which isn’t always consistent, but it’s an admirable performance for a 12-year-old. Fuhrman’s creepy character demonstrates the power of lighting and makeup: Note the contrast in Esther’s appearance from her introductory scene with her final scene.

This film reminded me of how masterful Alfred Hitchcock was at conjuring terror in broad daylight. It’s genuinely scary when nightmares erupt from typically benign situations or people — such as a child. “Orphan” is disturbing because we wouldn’t expect a child who needs a home to try to destroy it.

Technically, “Orphan” is a thriller and a drama, with moments of horror violence. This film escalates from uneasy to unlikely, to unseemly to unsettling. One of the movie’s greatest strengths is the way it doesn’t rely on supernatural phenomena for its nightmares; instead, it has many cringe-eliciting moments where we think, “Oh no, surely they (the filmmakers) won’t do that” — and sometimes they do.

A note to the sensitive and the squeamish, “Orphan” has several upsetting elements, such as violence involving children, both perpetrated by — and against — children. The stillborn baby subplot could be upsetting for some, as well as a couple of brutal, semi-graphic murders.

Directed by Jaume Collet-Serra

Isabelle Fuhrman / Vera Farmiga / Peter Sarsgaard

Thriller / Horror 123 min.

MPAA: R (for disturbing violent content, some sexuality and language)