Rating summary

Movie		2.0
Video		4.0
Audio		4.0
Extras		3.5
Overall		4.0

Orphan Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf May 8, 2024

Spoiler warning: some plot elements of “Orphan” will be discussed in this review.

Child endangerment is one of those manipulative moves from filmmakers who usually can’t conjure screen tension any other way. They challenge innocence with violence, begging for a cheap reaction, as any sensible viewer will recoil from such ugliness. 2009’s “Orphan” is a movie entirely built around the idea of kids in jeopardy, with screenwriter David Leslie Johnson (2018’s “Aquaman” and its 2023 sequel) trying to craft a provocative story about a long game manipulation that turns an average household into a hellish pit of paranoia and hostility. It plays like a variation on “The Bad Seed” until the very moment it reveals it isn’t “The Bad Seed,” with Johnson looking to land a Big Twist that’s ridiculous, stuck at the end of a feature that goes on for way too long, never scoring with points of suspense and mental illness.

Seeking to fill their life with a new child after the stillborn death of their last baby, couple Kate (Vera Farmiga) and John (Peter Sarsgaard) are looking to adopt this time around, adding to their family, which already includes Daniel (Jimmy Bennett) and their youngest, Max (Aryana Engineer), who’s hearing impaired. The couple soon discover Esther (Isabella Fuhrman), a gifted nine-year-old Russian girl who’s keen to have Kate and John as her parents. Enjoying the initial period of adjustment with a fresh face in the house, Kate soon starts to perceive something evil within Esther, struggling to articulate her fears to her doubting husband. When strange accidents start to occur around Esther and people go missing, Kate is sure her new daughter is behind the confusion. Trouble is, there's no one left to believe her as Esther goes about her business charming everyone with her special presentation of innocence.

Director Jaume Collet-Serra (who’s recently helmed “Jungle Cruise” and “Black Adam”) intends to give “Orphan” a slow creep of unease, but the story starts with absolute horror, turning Kate’s stillborn anguish into a nightmare sequence, effectively establishing the crude tone of the picture. Esther is positioned as a chance for Kate to deal with her loss, previously turning to alcohol to numb her pain, which created an accident that nearly killed Max. Kate’s a mess and John’s not the most attentive partner, but Esther’s arrival brings joy to the household, with the parents finding a girl who’s smart, artistic, and in need of love. It’s a classic set-up for trouble to begin, and Johnson certainly finds his way to aggression, gradually revealing Esther’s grand plans to claim the household as her own, with Kate and meddlesome children directly in her way.

“Orphan” gets ugly soon enough, with Esther working to eliminate a bully on a playground, get rid of the nun who knows a little more about her, and she threatens to cut Daniel’s penis off if he shares word of her rage with others. Esther also points a gun at Max to keep her under control. It’s all meant to be shock value and scary business, but Collet-Serra doesn’t have much in the way of movie magic to really tighten the vise on the characters, finding atmosphere lacking the endeavor. And there’s an issue with overlength, as “Orphan” runs 122 minutes, soon reaching repetition with Kate’s agony and Esther’s manipulation (laboring to play Kate and John against each other), while the climax turns the mental chess game into a slasher film, and one that could use more editorial tightening.

Orphan Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

"Orphan" was originally released on Blu-ray in 2009, returning to disc in 2024 via Shout Factory, who provide a new "2K scan of the interpositive." Detail delivers some compelling skin particulars, exploring makeup additions and the age games of the screenplay, especially in the final act. Housing interiors retain dimension, and exteriors deliver depth, doing well with property events. Color is consistent, with a cooler palette for a more visual suspense, while childlike hues are brighter, including Esther's appearance. Snowscapes are fresh. Skin tones are natural. Delineation struggles some during intense evening encounters. Compression holds together. Source is in good condition.

Orphan Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 5.1 DTS-HD MA mix secures clear dialogue exchanges, handling accent work and surges of intensity. Hushed encounters also register as intended. Scoring cues support suspense, with crisp instrumentation. Musical moods also push out into the surrounds with mild urgency. Atmospherics are acceptable, with some feel for outdoor action and room tone. Sound effects add some movement with car activity and escape attempts. Low-end isn't pronounced, but offers some presence with violent encounters.

Orphan Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• Commentary #1 features film critics Emily Higgins and Billy Dunham.

• Commentary #2 features film critics Mike Saunders, Jason Bolinger, Todd Good, and Bryan Clark.

• Commentary #3 features film critics Chris Alexander and Ali Chappell.

• Commentary #4 features film critic Heather Wixson.

• "Silent Story" (16:58, HD) is a video conference interview with composer John Ottman, who began work on "Orphan" by stripping away its obvious temp score, trying to find themes on his own. The interviewee explores select scenes, describing his effort to support characterization through music, identifying his creative choices. Genre sounds are also analyzed, with Ottman fighting the ways of the cheap scare with atmospheric scoring. The conversation closes with Ottman discussing instrumentation used to generate his work on "Orphan," blending real instruments with synthesizer offerings.

• "Mama's Little Devils: Bad Seeds and Evil Children" (14:56, HD) is a look at the psychology and history of "Orphan," featuring interviews with producers Susan Downey and Joel Silver, director Jaume Collet-Serra, writer David Johnson, executive producer Don Carmody, psychotherapist Dr. Michael Levittan, forensic psychologist Dr. Stephen A. Diamond, horror historian David Del Valle, writers Steve Barton and Brad Miska, and actors Peter Sarsgaard, Vera Farmiga, Isabelle Fuhrman, and CCH Pounder. While a plot recap and character business is discussed, joined by a little movie salesmanship, the featurette seeks to understand the ways of dangerous children in real life and on film. Focus is placed on Esther, examining her motivations and general malevolence, with the industry professionals exploring the cinematic qualities of this character, while the mental health workers attempt to identify the reality behind violent behavior in children, which is, as many of you already know, isn't what "Orphan" is about. Some history concerning "bad kids" is shared, with analysis on "The Bad Seed" and "Village of the Damned."

• Deleted Scenes (4:10, SD) are offered.

• Image Gallery (9:47) collects film stills, BTS snaps, and publicity shots.

• And a Theatrical Trailer (2:26, HD) is included.

Orphan Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

Of course, Esther isn't who she claims to be, with the ultimate reveal of her true identity missing its intended horror, sliding right into campiness. "Orphan" desires to be a tale of hostility and gamesmanship, and there's some sense of bravery to be claimed if Johnson actually followed through on his evil child introduction, making Esther into a nine-year-old Movie Maniac. But he doesn't, pulling most of his punches with a last act turn of events that transforms the whole film into absurdity. Instead of escalating with confident ugliness, "Orphan" becomes routine and ridiculous, asking viewers to accept an almost sci-fi reality to help connect the dots on a sluggish, increasingly silly picture.