Chilling psychological horror

Rating: 7/10 (18 August 2011)

Orphan is one of those kind of movies that subdues your attention at a slow pace. Initially it doesn't feel like a exciting watch however as the movie reaches towards the three quarter hour point, one immediately begins to care about the characters. The interactions and goings on makes one watch on in curiosity. Upon viewing, movies like 'The Omen' and Poison Ivy' will come to mind instantly. However what makes this unique is the central character 'Esther', played by Isabelle Fuhrman. The role was intelligently written and I really think it's open to debate whether a girl can really pull a older aged woman across the ground. But the suspension of disbelief is required if one wishes to enjoy what they're watching. Her character is not an individual to be taken seriously. But if the logical elements are ignored, it turns out to be a enjoyable experience.
Many would perceive this to be a horror movie. But I feel it's more near to psychological horror. Suspenseful and thrilling moments are endless. There is a lack of horror-struck moments. But there are a few occasions where many situations appear so suddenly in the first half when Esther begins to have conflicts with the family members. The pace picks up gradually when she begins to physically hurt and even murder people.
The writing and performances makes the movie special. The combination of them is fabulous. Every character is well developed so that the story unfolds interestingly without becoming routine and repetitive. Vera Farmiga is a versatile actress. She so easily manages to gut under the skin of any character, whether it be a mother, wife or even a psychologist. But the real hero of the movie is child artist Isabelle Furhman. Her portrayal of the adopted Russian girl is so convincing that it sends a shiver down the spine. The character was very well developed. There are many shades to her. Her every expression and verbal dialect appears so real at times that it makes one wonder that in real life she may have the mentality of a adult at such a young age.