Review of Orphan (2009) by Robyn M — 18 Jul 2012

After a married couple recently loses their baby, they decide on adopting. Later, they find Esther-who seems to be a perfect choice. But truly, she is not as innocent as she claims to be. In fact, "innocent" is far away from what she really is.

Orphan is such a heartbreaking film to see, because it introduces us to what could have been a delightful girl, who later becomes a nightmare. Despite the film's disturbing intro, we are later taken into a house of orphan girls. And of course, we meet Esther, who immediately grabs the attention of both Kate and John-the couple who adopts her. The couple currently lives with their two own children named Daniel and Max. Max is deaf, and must use sign language in order to communicate. After Esther is taken into her new home, she meets them-but Daniel does not like her. Max seems to like her presence though, which later causes a close relationship between the two girls. Another member in the family that is most close to her is John, the father. Kate likes her as well, but later starts to see that there is an evil side to her. Everyone around her thinks she's going insane, but she is not insane-Esther is. This is such a pity, because Esther could have been such a lovely young girl. Of course, before watching the film we are going to know that she is evil-but still it is such a pity. Oh well, at least it's exciting enough to hold our attention. However, this can be a very disturbing/frustrating film due to the following:

1: Because the villain in it, is a child.

2: Because Esther soon starts to hurt children, in an attempt to murder them.

3: Because no one believes Kate.

4: Because John spoils Esther, not realizing that she is insane.

Esther needs a long timeout. Okay, she needs a cell-room. She is extremely smart for her age, and knows exactly how to grab someone's attention-and keep them on her side. She even goes up to the point of bringing the sad past of Kate, reminding her of how she was once an alcoholic, and that this caused her other child to die when she was just a baby. Esther ruins the family, and even makes Max cover up for her brutal deeds. How dare she take control of the deaf child? Yup, she needs a cell-room. Thankfully, this film offers a satisfying ending that will make you yell, "YES!" However, it will not be spoiled here. This might not be a perfect film, because it often follows other plotlines. But if you're hoping for an intense film about a very bad girl, this is a great choice.