Review of Orphan (2009) by Julian T — 31 Dec 2011

I had avoided this film for a long time upon its release. I don't know if it was a bad marketing campaign or that it just didn't appeal to me, but I was given little reason to see this one. For some reason recently, I decided to give it a try and I was pretty impressed.

Very good script highlighted by some pretty good acting performances. The dialouge is fairly minimal, but what you get is believable. An especially good performance by Fuhrman who is quite creepy. A story we've all seen before ('The Omen', 'Case 39', 'Whisper'), but with a twist you didn't see coming.

Some people might call it gimikey, but I didn't see it coming. A long run time is a bit much, but it allows the story to be told with intent and conviction, and properly develop the characters. Does seem to go a little crazy at the end which goes against the building feel of the prior portion of the film.

Art house style direction, lighting and cinematography as well as a good score combine to create a moody and ominous tone. Pacing is another strong point (its frantic finish notwithstanding) as you are slowly drawn as more and more is slowly revealed.

Not a masterpiece, but a very good thriller that manages to stay fresh despite a slightly rehashed plot.