A big surprise

Rating: Null/10 (17 August 2011)

When I settled down to watch this film I really wasn't expecting much but I came away after an entertaining 2 and a half hours actually a little unnerved.I felt that this film delivered on all counts as a well- made psychological thriller.
The plot is simple. A couple (played by Vera Farmiga and Peter Sarsgaard) who lost their third child due to miscarriage decide to adopt a little girl called Esther (Isabelle Fuhrman). Initially everything is fine and although Farmiga's character was an alcoholic and Sarsgaard's character had previously cheated, the family is stable and Esther seems like the perfect little girl. However, as time goes on we see that Esther has a rather violent dark side. I shall say no more.
The film, although not downright scary, creates a masterfully creepy atmosphere with aid of a good score and competent directing. The film is somewhat of a slow burner and gradually reveals more and more of Esther's evil nature.
The acting is good and a cut above the usual quality that you see in similar films. Vera Farmiga, who has built up an impressive portfolio including 'The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas' and 'The Departed' (both very good) gives a great performance as a recovering alcoholic and grieving mother. The acting from Isabelle Fuhrman, as Esther, is particularly impressive and she creates a character who I really did despise. In a small role (which was a shame) CCH Pounder did well (as always). My only complaint is that Peter Sarsgaard's character was rather boring and didn't really stretch him as an actor. I think he is a very competent performer but would somebody please give him some good roles (I mean 'Knight and Day' and 'The Green Lantern' just weren't worthy of his talent).
Certainly the film is unbelievable and the twist (which isn't really a twist as such and certainly doesn't make you sharply inhale a breath and go "Oh my God")is nothing to rave about. Also, I was not a particular fan of the ending. I feel the film would have had more of an impact if Esther had managed to get away. Nevertheless, the movie is both well directed and acted and achieves something which similar films often don't - it's not laughable. In fact, quite the opposite.