Orphan
There's something wrong with Esther.
Overview
After losing their baby, a married couple adopt 9-year old Esther, who may not be as innocent as she seems.
Backdrop
What makes this movie Worth Watching
Orphan (2009) can be seen as a commentary on the vulnerability of families and the ease with which manipulative individuals can infiltrate and exploit them. It also reflects societal fears around adoption, particularly of children from troubled backgrounds.
- The compelling performance by Isabelle Fuhrman as Esther, a seemingly innocent adopted child who hides a sinister secret. The plot's unexpected twists and turns will keep you on the edge of your seat. The movie also explores themes of family dynamics, psychological horror, and the dark side of human nature.
Fun Facts
- Isabelle Fuhrman's character Esther was initially written as a boy but was changed to a girl during the script development. The film is loosely based on real-life cases of child abuse and manipulation, adding an unsettling layer of authenticity. In the opening scene, the song 'Somewhere Over the Rainbow' is played, which is often associated with Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz, foreshadowing Esther's deceptive nature.
Available Languages
English
US
Title:
"There's something wrong with Esther."
Pусский
RU
Title: Дитя тьмы
""
Français
FR
Title: Esther
"Quelque chose ne va pas chez Esther…"
Deutsch
DE
Title: Orphan - Das Waisenkind
"Das Böse hat ein neues Zuhause."
Italiano
IT
Title:
"C'è qualcosa di strano in Esther."
Português
PT
Title: Órfã
"Há algum problema com Esther."
Where to Watch
Cast
Crew
Reviews
Isabelle Fuhrman gives an epic performance. I can't really say too much without giving away spoilers, but I can see why she ended up being Clove!
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, horror films I have seen.
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.
Oscar Awards
Wins
Haven't Won A Oscar
Nominations
Haven't Nominated for Oscar
Media
Teaser
15 sec TV spot 2
Teaser
15 sec TV Spot 1
Teaser
TV Spot 4