Orphan (2009)

In what first appears as another possessed child knock-off, Orphan delivers an unexpectedly suspenseful drama that not not only throw you for a loop, but make you think twice about adopting.

John (Peter Sarsgaard, In The Electric Mist, The Skeleton Key) and Kate (Vera Farmiga, Nothing But The Truth, The Departed), not of the "plus 8 variety", recently lost a child at birth. But wanting to extend that love to a child in need, they decided to adopt, and add another member to their family. Jaume Collet-Serra (House of Wax) directs the story as they visit a small home for girls and adopt Esther (Isabelle Fuhrman) who turns out to not be as innocent as she lets on. Mysterious injuries, deaths, and threats all surround Esther and she plays the family in a manipulative manner not unlike that of a master puppeteer. But she's only nine year old... right? "Can you keep a secret?"

Horror movie right? Well sorta... it's more suspenseful than really what you might classify as a horror flick, and the direction really plays to it. The music really helps bring you to the edge of your seat before unleashing what's around the corner, if anything at all. The movie, because of the twist which is supremely original, was totally not what I expected, and I mean that in a good way. It's hard really to express how I really feel about the movie without giving it away, but just know I thoroughly enjoyed it. The acting was executed perfectly, even by the children, and the cinematography was encompassing. This movie really goes through the list pertaining to the emotions it instills: Sorrow, Grief, Fear, Rage, Disgust and plain 'ol WTF!?

Sit down with a friend and watch this perverse take on a familiar story, it'll leave plenty to talk about afterward. Recommended to everyone, unless you're in the market for a new kid.

8.5/10

Rated: R
123 mins