A solid, visually appealing mystery film

Rating: Null/10 (2 January 2015)

Following the events after a couple with two children adopts an orphan this film tells how their lives spiral out of control. Remarkable is especially the imagery; each set seems to be carefully crafted, especially concerning the (exceptionally well-acted and fascinating) character of Esther; the colours and costumes subliminally underline her staggeringly dark and cold personality succeeding at conveying her emotions or rather the lack of them. Set in a cold wintery environment her classy, dark coloured garments contrasting with her fair skin framed with her black hair create an eerie feeling whenever she appears resulting in conflicting emotions due to her apparently impeccable behaviour. Besides succeeding at scaring the viewer occasionally its jumps scenes are fairly predictable, which in my opinion is positive for I generally am not a fan of the horror/mystery genre. What I also deem positive it refraining from the supernatural and unnecessarily gory and disturbing images, which makes it suitable for a larger audience (not for kids though).
Despite being of this genre which is notorious for weak plots, it maintains suspense and mystery for a long time and the outcome is hardly predictable. Moreover it is not superficial, on the contrary, it discusses the sensitive issue of growing up causing contradicting longings for childish naïveté in a romanticised world of childhood disrupted by the advent new responsibilities and expectations. My interpretation is that Esther desperately seeks to maintain her childish world, reinforced by her appearance and on the other hand craves validation, perverse power over other beings expressed through her tendency towards manipulative behaviour, lack of empathy and sobering violence and the sexuality which she is denied due to her appearance. This situation rips her mentally apart, beautifully represented by her paintings; quaint at first sight, once the UV-light is on revealing hideous acts of violence and a cry for sexuality. Tormented, failing to seduce her new father and alienate him from his wife, she wreaks havoc among the family while maintaining an innocent image to present to the world. A truly gripping and dark film.