REVIEW: Orphan - Disturbing and surprising...

Isabella Fuhrman as 'Esther' in the movie Orphan 

My rating: 4/5
IMDb rating: 7.1/10
Producer: Leonardo Dicaprio

Now a days horror flicks suffer from
basically  two problems:
1) They are less of a horror and more of a thriller
2) Whatever spooky scenes are there, either they look comic or are copied from previous horror films.
        
     Luckily 'Orphan' doesn't struggle with these issues.No doubt it is formulated, but the important thing is that the formula works. Orphan is one the films in which a little child commits unforgivable evil acts. The 'Omen' series still remains at the top spot in this genre but still 'Orphan' is way ahead of many movies in terms of pure entertainment. It has many scenes where you would feel like some steel hands have gripped your windpipe. And the grip keeps on tightening throughout the film.
                     This a story in which a couple John and Kate Coleman (played by Peter Sarsgaard  and Vera Farmiga), adopt a 9 year old child, Esther (Isabella Fuhrman) to fill the gap for the loss of their third unborn child. Eshter is a born prodigy. She draws masterclass paintings, can play piano adroitly and talks in a well-behaved and sophisticated manner. As Esther steps in there house, one thing seeps out. Happiness. All bad things begin to happen around Eshter. A girl is hurt badly in the park, with Esther around. A nun is brutally murdered, with Esther around. A SUV runs down the hill with Abigail(Colemans youngest daughter) sitting inside, again, with Esther around. Is this coincidence, or is there is something else behind the sweet face of Esther or is it her mother who was disturbed with loss of her third child, is taking therapy and was previously an alcoholic. These questions would keep on banging your head while watching this film. The movie could have been 15-20 minutes shorter, but never the less it is brisk and taut and highly entertaining.

        Acting performances by Isabella Fuhrman and Vera Farmiga are commendable. Vera, who is the core of the film, plays the role of a mother who knows something is wrong is Esther, but she is unable to prove it. Isabella Fuhrman is sweet, scary and secretive all in the same movie. The chemistry between them is great and keeps the movie high in tension and upbeat, especially in the second half.

        The dailogues are clever and crisp. Every character is used brilliantly in their respective part. The climax of the film, which is by far the most important scene of this film, reveals the 'MOTIVE' of all what is happening around, is a complete surprise package for movie lovers. The tight-twist torque helps the film to move in a different direction which makes sense and highly entertains as well. Overall it is perfect recipe for a thursday-thriller.

     P.S- NOT RECOMMENDED FOR KIDS.