3 out of 5 stars
The Orphan franchise first graced cinema screens in 2009 and was based loosely on a true story. The original film introduced the world to the iconic character of Esther (Isabelle Fuhrman) and is probably attributed to the setback in adoption numbers worldwide. In Orphan: First Kill, the filmmakers have revisited the story of this psychopathic orphan by digging into her history.
For those who are just being introduced to this iconic character, we discover that she was initially an Estonian psychiatric patient named Leena Klammer. This 31-year-old woman has a rare hormonal disorder called hypopituitarism that causes her body to age slowly and makes her look like a nine-year-old child. After escaping from a mental institute, she looks up details of missing American girls and finds that she looks like a child named Esther Albright. Through a curious series of events Leena transforms herself into Esther and claims that her parents live in the United States. Yet, an unexpected twist arises that pits her against the mother of Esther’s family. One who will do all she can to protect her family from this murderous child at any cost.
Amazingly Isabelle Fuhrman reprised the role which made her famous many years ago is able to embody this role through clever writing and the magic of modern cinema. Visual tricks like forced perspective and the use of body doubles, audiences are able to immerse themselves in Esther’s story. This actress’ portrayal of the girl is convincing without getting distracted by things like age and height differences. Fans of the original movie will appreciate this prequel and the suspenseful elements that make it worth sitting through. Particularly for those familiar with the character of Esther's murderous and scheming intentions.
Horror prequels are funny to watch since the viewer is fully aware of how the movie will end and what will happen to the main character. The question we need to ask is, what could make things interesting? This is where the writers have fleshed out an engrossing story, primarily with an unexpected plot twist that changes the dynamic of the character interactions. Then they cause the viewer to wonder how events will transpire in the light of the new revelation.
Inevitably, you may ask if it is necessary to have seen the original movie before watching the prequel? Not really – this movie could actually work as a standalone movie as the story is almost self-contained. This reviewer did not see the original when it first came out, but that is easily rectifiable now that it is available to watch on Netflix. For the fans of psychological thrillers, this is a good prequel and may encourage those interested to watch the original movie, too.
REEL DIALOGUE: Lies and Deception
We all have heard the saying, ‘appearances can be deceiving.’ This especially holds true for the person of Esther. It becomes clear early on in the film that this character has learnt to be conniving all her life and makes full use of her appearance to present herself as someone she is not. As the movie progresses, she discovers how difficult it is to keep up this pretence. Especially with the plot twist that comes halfway through the story that makes it very clear that she has to devise another plan as her deception is undone.
Can you imagine if you had to live your life as a continual lie and try to present yourself as someone you’re not? It would get exhausting.
The Bible tells us that the struggles we go through to live a life free from lying and being deceitful are merely symptoms of the bigger problem: sin. (A word that basically means rejecting the rule of God in our lives). However, the Bible also tells us that we can live a life free from this burden of sin. Thanks to the person of Jesus that this is possible. His sacrifice allows us to enter into a loving relationship with God. Also, one of the benefits is the knowledge that we can be accepted without having to live out a perfect life, something that is impossible.
Speak to a Christian friend or visit your local church to find out more about how you can be free of your burdens and lie you might be living.
For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body ruled by sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin – because anyone who has died has been set free from sin. Now if we died with Christ, we believe we will also live with him. - Romans 6:6-8
