Orphan (2009)

Director: Jaume Collet-Serra

Cast: Vera Farmiga as Kate Coleman, Peter Sarsgaard as John Coleman, Isabelle Fuhrman as Esther, CCH Pounder as Sister Abigail, Jimmy Bennett as Daniel Coleman, Margo Martindale as Dr. Browning, Karel Roden as Dr. Varava, Aryana Engineer as Max Coleman, Rosemary Dunsmore as Grandma Barbara, Jamie Young as Brenda, Lorry Ayers as Joyce, Brendan Wall as Detective, Genelle Williams as Sister Judith, Mustafa Abdelkarim as Daniel's Friend #1, Landon Norris as Daniel's Friend #2

"Orphan" was a movie that truly did surprised me. I mean I came into
this movie honestly not having any idea which direction it would take
me, I mean sure it looked good, but then again the 30 second previews
made it seem a bit mediocre. When the movie went off I was very pleased
by what I had seen. The things I love most about Orphan is how they
present and introduce these characters so well. The minute I saw the
main couple I couldn't help but take a liking to them, and Esther who
very easily steals the show, is incredibly likable. As a matter of fact
the thing I do love a lot about the film is how they take their time in
the story, I loved how for the first half or so you see Esther adapting
to her new surroundings, and I became extremely indulged into this. I
also think they balanced out the character of Esther well. I mean this
performance, and character, could have easily been portrayed as this
over-the-top, annoying, non-intimidating, and non-believable character,
but not once do you ever feel that. Also it is very entertaining, and
you're hooked from the moment you see this little girl Esther. It was
also clever at times, to where you feel a sense of danger as far as the
story goes because it's literally like anything can happen. Even if
does begin to make you mad for whatever reason, you still can't help
but keep watching and wondering. At times it may feel predictable, but
they've already presented these characters so well, that you can't but
feel that maybe you haven't predicted it. I will say I wished "Orphan"
HAD paced itself a little better, I mean they don't immediately jump
into the story, but when they do it feels rushed and as if they fear
the audience won't care about the characters, when it's not true. Also
towards the end the characters start to lose liking, so much so that I
couldn't help but look at these characters(in particular the mom and
dad) and say "Who are you, and why are you being such an unlikable
stereotype!" As a result of the characters acting stupid and
stereotypical at this point in the film it just became predictable to
an extent where you knew what was going to happen. Last you know I
don't know how I felt about the twist, it was done well enough to where
it would fit the storyline, but I feel it defeats the shocking, brutal,
and thrilling nature of the film. Anyways, overall "Orphan" is one of
the better thrillers you'll probably see this year, and even if you're
not too big on these kind of films, I still recommend "Orphan"