Orphan

This is a great film that tells a unique story we have never seen explored before in horror, and we can't say that we think this film would get made if it were pitched today.
The film mostly takes place in a horror stalwart, a modern architectural mansion, it's fascinating how these structures have become the backdrop to many scary stories over the last few decades, replacing Victorian mansions.
The film is expertly crafted, great camera work revealing more and more of the mystery of this orphan.
The acting from the whole cast is stellar, particularly the children which can make or break a film.
We get some good sex scenes, actor Peter Sarsgaard has no issue showing off his hairy body on camera in many films and is still sexy with a dad bod.
We love the incorporation of disability into this film, would have been quite ground breaking at the time.
There is some good scary scenes and quite an epic twist, but overall we wish the film had been a bit scarier, this is a good watch for horror rookies.
What unfortunately lets the film down is the score, it does little to heighten tension, suspense, and scary moments, in fact we would characterize it as similar to a spooky Halloween CD, it made the film feel longer.
We recommend watching the prequel 'Orphan: First Kill' (2022) as well.
Directed by Jaume Collet-Serra of Spain, most famous for 'Jungle Cruise' (2021), he also directs the horror film 'The Woman In The Yard' (2025).
Features Vera Farmiga, Peter Sarsgaard, CCH Pounder, Isabelle Furhman, Jimmy Bennett, Margo Martindale, and others.

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