Directed by William Brent Bell
Starring Isabelle Fuhrman, Julia Stiles, Rossif Sutherland and Matthew Finlan

First and foremost, for those of you about to read this review who may not have seen 2009s Orphan as yet but are aware it has an excellent twist, that twist will not be mentioned here. Though it’s been a number of years since I’ve seen Orphan, I do know I was very fond of it and like many was enthralled by its very cleverly concealed revelation. Unfortunately, Orphan received heavy criticism for leaving a plot hole in the process. As a result, one of this film’s goals as a prequel is to fill that hole. While Orphan: First Kill succeeds at filling that gap, it is difficult to ignore several smaller ones that arise throughout. Nevertheless, this prequel also boasts another unforeseen ripper twist earlier into proceedings that purposely upends everything viewers might have expected from the movie’s trajectory. 

In a well-staged, rather spooky and somewhat unnerving opening, we witness Leena’s opportunistic yet successful escape from a psychiatric facility in Estonia. Once out, Leena searches the internet for missing girls in America until she comes across the profile of Esther Albright, the nine-year-old daughter of a wealthy family missing for four years whom she bears convincing resemblance to. For those of you who have seen Orphan, Esther is of course a familiar name, and she uses what she knows to her advantage, moving into a lavish home in Connecticut with parents Tricia and Allen Albright (played by Julia Stiles and Rossif Sutherland) and their son Gunnar (Matthew Finlan). But soon after meeting friends of the family, some locals, and an inquisitive detective, Esther realises that not everyone is convinced she is who she claims to be!

Orphan: First Kill is really in its element from the moment the plot twist occurs. Again, despite a number of plot holes appearing throughout that do reduce the film’s credibility, some of which are resultant from that twist, the darkly comical turn it assumes is irresistibly fun to watch. It’s a pleasure to see the writers on board have seized upon the opportunities that presented themselves once they concocted the welcomed surprise to proceedings. What also must be commended is the make-up and ‘forced perspective’ tactics employed over any digital solutions that enabled the terrific Isabelle Fuhrman to convincingly re-prise the role of Esther she first filmed as a ten and eleven-year-old. 

Orphan: First Kill is showing in cinemas across Australia from September 1st.

Moviedoc thanks Studiocanal and Annette Smith: Ned & Co for the invite to the screening of this film.

Review by Leigh for Moviedoc

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