Orphan – Das Waisenkind (2009)

Orphan – Das Waisenkind: Directed by Jaume Collet-Serra. With Vera Farmiga, Peter Sarsgaard, Isabelle Fuhrman, CCH Pounder. A husband and wife who recently lost their baby adopt a 9-year-old girl who is not nearly as innocent as she appears.

“Finally, a horror film about adults. Adults with complex issues and children that act like children and not hyper precocious sex models. The reason to see this film isnu0026#39;t to find out the over advertised u0026quot; Estheru0026#39;s secretu0026quot; of the film (a MAJOR misstep in marketing. Too many people now enter the film trying to figure out the u0026quot;secretu0026quot; before they normally would have been surprised), but rather to see a well-acted (extremely well acted by Vera F.)slow-building suspense story with excellent direction and cinematography. John Ottmanu0026#39;s score also serves the film well, without becoming overpowering in signaling this is a u0026quot;creepyu0026quot; film. The actress who plays Esther shows a skill in performance that makes one think we may actually have another Jodie Foster to keep an eye on. This film works because we LIKE the characters (Rob Zombie please take note!) and fear for them and their survival. Dark Castleu0026#39;s best film, and it gives one hope that the horror/suspense genre still can be presented with intelligence and depth. Hollywood take note: we donu0026#39;t want a xerox of this film, but we do want more films that share this films strenghts: good script, likable real characters, excellent acting and nice, tension building direction.”