Word Addict

Movie Review: “Orphan” November 14, 2009

I can easily sum up this movie in one word: creepy.

I had heard a lot about this movie before I saw it in theatres (as of now, it’s available on DVD). The critics will tell you that this is a ‘psychological thriller’, but don’t believe that for a second. Let’s just say that it’s earned it’s R-rating, although it’s nowhere near as gory as, say, the Saw series.

So the plot goes like this: a woman – who is also a recovering alcoholic – and her husband lose their child while she is pregnant. Though they already have two children (a young girl who is deaf and a eleven year old boy), the couple decides to adopt. After doing some research, they visit a Catholic orphanage; it is here that they meet Esther, a talented yet somewhat strange nine year old girl. When I first saw her on screen, I could already hear The Addams Family theme song playing in my head. After strange occurances happen, the mother suspects there is far more to Esther than meets the eye.

I won’t go any further as to spoil the plot. I have to say that Isabelle Fuhrman (Esther) easily steals the show. There are quite a bit of scary moments & the plot twist near the end will either surprise you or make you wonder whether Warner Brothers should have gone in a different direction. Either way, give this a rental and see it for yourself.