Review of Orphan

That's the story of, that's the glory of love..

Brilliant. The subtle horror brought upon by a young girl gave the film an eerie and intense mood all throughout. At first, you wouldn't think that this film is worth tuppence, but as the events progress, each revelation gives you an idea of what the film is about. Frankly, it was one of the best films I've seen which features a child as the film's villain.
Kate (Farmiga) and John Coleman (Sarsgaard) are trying to cope with the loss of their baby daughter, Jessica, who died while she was still in Kate's womb, as well as John's infidelity (apparently he slept with their neighbor). In order to help themselves forget what happened in their past, they decide to adopt. While looking at the girls in the orphanage, John chances upon a girl softly singing while painting. Her name is Esther (Fuhrman), and she easily captures the hearts of Kate and John with her quiet wit, polite demeanor, and unquestionable charm. The first few days of Esther's stay in the Coleman house are peaceful, save for conflict arising between Esther and Daniel (Bennett), Kate and John's oldest child. When people around the Colemans are dying and/or getting hurt, Kate slowly suspects that the little girl she and John adopted isn't as innocent as she seems to be. Unfortunately, John doesn't see it that way, and this causes further friction between the husband and wife, especially when John finds two bottles of wine (Kate has been previously treated for alcoholism). Kate now has to fight for her family, as Esther's shocking past and true identity is revealed.
Fantastic. A horror movie does not need excess blood, guts, and other factors common to such films nowadays. All you need is a good twist (one that audiences would NEVER expect, an eerie atmosphere, and one helluva villain that scares the crap out of you. :p