A highly derivative, weak thriller

Rating: 6/10 (10 January 2010)

"Orphan", 2009, is a largely uninspired, highly derivative, pseudo-art film attempt at a thriller that tries hard to be chilling. The only thing that makes it worthwhile to view, is the performance of newcomer Isabelle Furham as Esther, the adopted child of unknown origin, from Russia.
Director Jaume Collet Sera is not able to maintain any convincing drama or tension, due to a weak, ineffective screenplay, by David Johnson, which contains several convenient plot points. I would have given this film a rating of "5", if it weren't for Isabelle Furham's slightly chilling performance, portrayed with a mix of sweetness, charm and coldness.
The revelation at the end of the film helps explain the main character and the story, but arrives too late to rescue the film.