Variety
Teasingly enjoyable rubbish through the first hour, Orphan becomes genuine trash during its protracted second half.
Full review
Orphan
After the tragic loss of their unborn child, Kate (Vera Farmiga) and John (Peter Sarsgaard) struggle to regain some semblance of normalcy in their lives. They decide to adopt the intelligent, creative and polite wee Esther (Isabelle Fuhrman).
But as soon as they welcome Esther into their home, alarming events begin to unfold. Something's terribly wrong with Esther. Concerned for the safety of her family, Kate tries to get John to see past Esther's sweet facade. But her warnings go unheeded...
2009Rating: R16, contains horror, violence, sex scenes and offensive language123 minsUSA, Canada, Germany, France
HorrorMysteryThriller
- Director:
- Jaume Collet-Serra ('House of Wax')
- Writer:
- David JohnsonAlex Mace
- Cast:
- Vera FarmigaPeter SarsgaardIsabelle FuhrmanJimmy BennettLorry AyersKarel Roden
Orphan | Reviews
56%156 reviewsRotten Tomatoes® Score
All reviews on Rotten Tomatoes
Total Film
There’s a lot of slow burn to endure in the first hour, but the payoff is one of the most batshit crazy finales in recent memory.
Full review
The New York Times
There’s something creepy, and not pleasurably so, about watching children pantomime so much malice and fear.
Full review
Roger Ebert
You want a good horror film about a child from hell, you got one. Do not, under any circumstances, take children to see it. Take my word on this.
Full review
Newshub
For a polished Hollywood horror, this is a brilliant, scary film and I wish there were more like it.
Full review
Los Angeles Times
Clocking in at more than two hours, the movie teeters between psychological horror and violent blood-letting and, as such, probably won't completely satisfy fans in either camp.
Full review
Hollywood Reporter
Furhman plays pure evil with such supreme calmness that only her eyes shine with madness. Indeed, all of the child actors are superb, especially the expressive Engineer.
Full review
Empire Magazine
Predictable and been-there, seen-that, but entertaining nevertheless at times.
Full reviewOrphan | Release Details
Orphan is available to stream in New Zealand now on Google Play and Apple TV.