"Orphan" is one Twisted, Hell of a Wild Ride

Orphan is probably the most effective, skillfully made thriller I have seen in a long time and the real accolades belong to 12 year old newcomer Isabelle Fuhrman for her star turning role as the title character, Esther. I point out Fuhrman because few child actors could pull off such a feat so effortlessly given that from start to finish "Orphan" is rooted in the type of horrific scenarios that only nightmares are made of.

I remember in 1993 when "The Good Son" was released, there was a lot of hoopla over the subject matter and more particularly Macaulay Culkin (then a child actor) starring in a dark, thriller that basically married his character with violence. The debate, a moral one, in which the producers and the parents had to consider the psychological ramifications of subjecting a minor to very very adult themes. 16 years later, all that has flown out the window as you have a film that is from start to finish all about marrying children and violence. I'm really surprised that there has not been more of a public outcry, but then again, I applaud the film for having the balls to go there. Taking an unflinching, hyper realistic view of a child murderer who is hiding a deep secret.

Technically, I was very impressed with "Orphan". Not only is the acting from Fuhrman, Vera Farminga (the matriarch of the story) and Peter Sarsgaard (the patriarch) top notch, but the editing and sound design were some of the best I have seen in ages. As well, this is probably the first thriller I have seen of this type with a cohesive story that is centered around tension and pacing rather than cheap scare tactics. The surprise twist was a real surprise to me and for a minute my brain uttered the groan and GTFO of here eye roll, but then I absorbed it all and realized that it is supported by the story and makes it an even more fun enjoyable ride.

And that was Precisely the joy of "Orphan" is that it was concerned with nothing more than providing one kick ass hell of a wild time. From the very beginning it straps you in and takes you on a thrill ride through places you didn't think you could go while still keeping a dark sense of humor in tact. I have to admit, I was very reluctant to see "Orphan" only because movies like this, where the child seems to be the antagonist of the story, seems to be a dime a dozen nowadays. But "Orphan" sets itself apart quite early, and ultimately turns into the definitive movie of its kind. In short, Esther could show Damien a few things about evil.