Orphan (DVD) Movie Review
Isabelle Fuhrman makes an impressive big-screen debut as Esther, the Russian orphan who finds a home with the Coleman family and then causes the family dynamic to self-implode. Without giving away too much info in fear of spoiling a truly creepy plot twist, once the Coleman’s bring home Esther, it is fair to say that things start to fall apart and suspicions are raised as to Esther’s true background. Like many films that deal with kids that are killers (“The Good Son”, “The Bad Seed”, “Joshua”), the one reason that this film succeeds is that the tension is well built up with a tight script and the acting is above the level for these types of films. Vera Farmiga, who was so excellent in “The Boy in the Striped Pajama’s” and also appeared in the horror film “Joshua”, here is a study in slow simmering as her husband begins to think that maybe SHE is the crazy one in the house especially after Esther breaks her own arm (in a sickening scene that made my stomach churn) and blames on dear old mama. Now, about the twist: About ¾ of the way through the film, it occurs. I originally saw this movie in the theaters and the audience all chuckled until the medical explanation is revealed and then it sunk in and the audiences laughing turns to shrieks. The director, Jaume Collet-Serra (“House of Wax”)does a fine job of building the suspense to almost unbearable levels during the first half of the film and the final reveal is sure to bring goose bumps even to the most seasoned horror film fan. Jimmy Bennett (“Poseidon”) looks appropriately scared as the brother who is trying to look after his hearing impaired sister and protect her from Esther while Peter Sarsgaard gives his character much needed life and intensity as the father who is trying to fix his wife after she loses a baby in childbirth.
Presented in widescreen and with Dolby Digital 5.1 sound, the film looks excellent on DVD. There is an alternate ending for the film as the lone bonus feature (but I still have a better one in my mind) so don’t expect anything more than just the movie for the price.
