There's something wrong with Esther.
After losing their baby, a married couple adopt 9-year old Esther, who may not be as innocent as she seems.
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Character
Contemporary, grave, classical in form and earnest.
- contemporarynostalgic
- gravecomic
- classical in formformally daring
- earnestironic
- sparerichly built
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“Is this Jaume Collet-Serra's best work?”
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Reviews on TMDB
Written by TMDB members; each links to the original. Not part of Tastebuds's numbers.
- CinemaSerfon TMDB · Nov 20226/10
I had a problem with this right from the start. Just how this young girl from eastern Europe managed to get herself placed in a wealthy American family without any semblance of blood or DNA checks to establish - for real - that she was who the father "John" (Peter Sarsgaard) desperately wanted her to be. Though I did enjoy the film thereafter, that implausibility was never far from the back of my mind as we see the monster that is "Esther" (a strong performance from Isabelle Fuhrman) develop around us causing havoc and mayhem for the "Coleman" family - recently recovering from their own tragic bereavement. The concept is fascinating - an adult (and a ruthless and unstable one at that) in the persona of a child using innocence as the ultimate tool for deception is cleverly delivered by the cast and from the pen of Alex Mace. The wintry scenario and the John Ottman score also contribute well to a genuine sense of menace as those who get in her way are unceremoniously snuffed out. She even manages to ensnare the services of a young and vulnerable accomplice, too! It's a perfect example of hiding in plain sight, and is certainly one of the more effective role-playing, psychological, ho
Read the whole review on TMDB - Alunauwieon TMDB · Jul 20268/10
Orphan (2009) is a psychological horror thriller that builds suspense through a disturbing adoption story and an unforgettable plot twist. Isabelle Fuhrman delivers a remarkable performance as Esther, making the film both unsettling and emotionally engaging despite a few narrative inconsistencies. It is an easy recommendation for viewers who enjoy mystery-driven horror with strong psychological tension. > By alunauwie
Read the whole review on TMDB - Andre Gonzaleson TMDB · Jul 20238/10
This is a great movie. It's one of those movies you can only watch once though. Any more after that you know what's going on. Great ending but it ruins the movie from ever watching it again. Can't wait to see the sequel though.
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Cast
- Vera FarmigaKate
- Peter SarsgaardJohn
- Isabelle FuhrmanEsther
- CCH PounderSister Abigail
- Jimmy BennettDaniel
- Margo MartindaleDr. Browning
- Karel RodenDr. Värava
- Aryana EngineerMax
- Rosemary DunsmoreGrandma Barbara
- Jamie YoungBrenda
Crew
- Jaume Collet-SerraDirector
- David Leslie Johnson-McGoldrickScreenplay
- Jeff CutterDirector of Photography
- John OttmanOriginal Music Composer
- Timothy AlversonEditor
- Susan DowneyProducer
- Richard MirischProducer
- Ethan ErwinProducer
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Pairings
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Similar in taste
Closest on the same fourteen dimensions, from everything scored on Tastebuds Other media included when they land close.
Graphic Desires 202381% alikeBoth contemporary, grave, spare.
Dark Skies 201381% alikeBoth grave, contemporary, classical in form.
Stir of Echoes 199980% alikeBoth contemporary, grave, earnest.
Blue Ruin 201480% alikeBoth grave, contemporary, classical in form.
Lights Out 201680% alikeBoth contemporary, grave, earnest.
The Gift 201579% alikeBoth contemporary, grave, earnest.
The Children 200879% alikeBoth grave, contemporary, earnest.
Smile 202279% alikeBoth contemporary, grave, classical in form.
Burn the House Down 202384% alikeTelevision · Both contemporary, grave, classical in form.
Dirty John 201881% alikeTelevision · Both contemporary, grave, earnest.
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