Orphan

(2009)***

John and Kate are experiencing tremendous marital stress. Their third child was stillborn and Kate struggles with depression and alcoholism. Devastated by the loss of their child, the two visit an orphanage where they are captivated by Esther, a precocious, 9-year old Eastern European immigrant with a mysterious background. Esther is seemingly the perfect child, well-mannered, impeccably organized, and artistically talented. Once home Esther immediately bonds with their 6-year old daughter, Max, who is deaf and communicates in sign language. Their 12-year old son, Daniel, however, is not as taken with Esther, due to the endless teasing he endures at school because of her peculiar way of dressing (think Amish-like) and behaving.



Following a bumpy first week, cracks begin to appear in Esther’s cheery facade. She bludgeons an injured animal without hesitating and she tosses a classmate off of a jungle gym, shattering her ankle. She does all this with an icy stare (the kind I’ve only seen from my ex-wife). Like a true bad seed she is well-mannered in front of the adults; however young Daniel is on to her evil ways. Meanwhile Esther becomes daddy’s little girl at home, playing it up to near-Lolita extremes. As Kate slowly concludes that they have adopted a sociopath, John tells her that she’s imagining things. Soon after, Esther reveals some unsettling secrets and things build to a frenzied climax.



Orphan will remind you of many films including The Bad Seed, The Good Son, and even The Omen. Although the evil child thing has been played out, it’s still a fun, guilty pleasure. There’s a corker of a twist that I didn’t see coming (I rarely do) making the entire affair even more disturbing – do yourself a favor and avoid spoilers about this film, otherwise it’s pointless to watch it.