It’s a film that has not only stood the test of time, but continues to evoke a visceral physical and emotional response. That is the sign of a fantastic horror film.

| Original Score: 9/10 | Oct 1, 2024

It’s The Bad Seed until it isn’t. It’s The Omen until it changes its mind. In other words, the twist ending alters everything to such a starling degree that it’s no wonder many folks dig this plot pirouette while just as many despise it.

| Original Score: 2.5/4 | May 20, 2024

A devilishly good time with great character work and solid tension-building. Isabelle Fuhrman is a dynamite talent!

| May 17, 2024

And by both satisfying expectations and providing a substantial surprise at the end, Orphan has rightfully become one of the most pleasurable and twisty thrillers from the last twenty years.

| Original Score: 3.5/5 | Jul 23, 2023

'Orphan' is very exploitative of unfair fears. But I feel this works to its credit as a proud B-grade horror flick, what I like to call top-tier low-quality films. It just so happens that it is also ingeniously crafted.

| Original Score: 5/5 | Sep 1, 2022

There’s some quality character work, some really good tension-building, and a pretty gnarly final act that should please the genre faithful.

| Original Score: 3.5/5 | Aug 22, 2022

It involves us on unexpected emotional levels, making us care about the characters instead of just compiling a body count. Therein, it sends us writhing in our seats from the perpetual sense of unease and growing shock.

| Original Score: 3.5/4 | Aug 21, 2022

A chilling performance from Isabelle Fuhrman as the relentlessly brutal villain makes this rise to the top of "creepy kid" movies. It's premise and reveals may be too much for some but for me it was delightfully twisted.

| Original Score: 4.25/5 | Aug 19, 2022

An exercise of suspense in crescendo... [Full review in Spanish]

| Jun 16, 2022

Collet-Serra's solid direction, Fuhrman's delightfully mordant turn and a staggering final reel curveball make this the most unconventional "killer kid" film of recent years.

| Jun 10, 2021

Orphan's protracted runtime is exacerbated by how unlikable Sarsgaard's character is, but you have to admire the audacity (and unpredictability) of the ending.

| Original Score: 3/5 | Dec 30, 2020

Aryana Engineer, a real-life deaf actress, is almost equally as hypnotic as Fuhrman without uttering a single word throughout the film.

| Original Score: 2.5/4.0 | Sep 19, 2020

Orphan is refreshing for its skilled execution and genuinely disturbing atmosphere that permeates every scene.

| Original Score: 4/5 | Oct 29, 2019

A creepy, yet fun, alternative to a testosterone-filled summer, a small but effective little thriller that features some strong performances and a neat little twist that makes it a cut above most horror films.

| Original Score: B | May 16, 2019

It does squander a strong setup though with an increasing amount of camp.

| Original Score: C- | Oct 19, 2018

The movie looks and sounds pretty, but that's not enough to warrant giving it a shot.

| Original Score: 5/10 | Oct 19, 2018

Directed crisply and with a palpable air of mid-'70s paranoia thriller.

| Aug 28, 2015

Dump a murderous psycho brat with a corny Russian accent into that troubled mix and you've got a real horror show on your hands. But not a good one.

| Original Score: 0/5 | Feb 15, 2013

Full Review | Original Score: 3/5 | Nov 17, 2011

If you are a huge fan of the evil kid sub-genre of horror flicks, then this movie is definitely going to be right up your alley.

| Original Score: 4/5 | Aug 10, 2011