“DEVILISH BUT UNCONVINCING”
Starring: Vera Farmiga, Peter Sarsgaard, Isabelle Fuhrman, Aryana Engineer, CCH Pounder and Jimmy Bennett
Directed by: Jaume Collet-Serra
MPAA Rating: R for disturbing violent content, some sexuality and language.
Genre: Horror/Thriller/Suspense
By John Delia
The film Orphan is fun to watch, but not convincing enough making it a run-of-the mill horror flick. The evil storyline is interesting and somewhat surprising with makes it fun to watch. The twists and turns come late in the film so one needs to pay attention so you can say, Oh I new that was going to happen.
The tragic loss of their unborn child has devastated Kate (Vera Farmiga) and John (Peter Sarsgaard), taking a toll on both their marriage and Kate’s fragile psyche as she is plagued by nightmares and haunted by demons from her past. Struggling to regain some semblance of normalcy in their lives, the couple decides to adopt another child. At the local orphanage, both John and Kate find themselves strangely drawn to a young girl named Esther (Isabelle Fuhrman)…but Esther is not what she appears to be and, concerned for the safety of her family, Kate tries to get John and others to see past Esther’s sweet facade. But her warnings go unheeded until it may be too late…for everyone.
Collet-Serra makes the film a guessing game encouraging the audience to try and figure out why this innocent little girl Esther is so happy over even the slightest amenity and sign of love. But, the very complicated plot proves to be a bit much for the three-time director as believability starts to diminish half way through the two-hour film. Things then start getting quite predictable and although a twist comes out of nowhere, it’s not enough to make the film exceptional.
The acting by Sarsgaard, Farmiga and Engineer is impressive as members of the adopting Coleman family. I especially liked Engineer as little Maxine Coleman the deaf child who gets roped into assisting Esther in her evil scheme. She’s a little darling on the screen and made me gasp a few times when the youngster finds herself in peril. But the standout performance here, in spite of some credibility, goes to Fuhrman as the Russian orphan that gets chosen by the Coleman’s. Her cute but evil charm provides the canvas on which the film is painted, exuding innocence yet crafting some very dastardly deeds.
Orphan is rated R for disturbing violent content, some sexuality and language so the film may disgust those who are immature horror fans.
FINAL ANALYSIS: Orphan is fun to watch, but quite unconvincing. (3 of 5 Palm Trees)