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Year:
2009
Runtime:
123 Min.
Director:
Jaume Collet-Serra
Genre:
Horror
IMDB Rating:
7

Cast:

Vera FarmigaVera FarmigaKate
Peter SarsgaardPeter SarsgaardJohn
Isabelle FuhrmanIsabelle FuhrmanEsther
CCH PounderCCH PounderSister Abigail
Jimmy BennettJimmy BennettDaniel
Margo MartindaleMargo MartindaleDr. Browning
Orphan movie poster

Orphan (2009): Spoiler-Free Review

Orphan is Jaume Collet-Serra’s 2009 horror thriller about a family that adopts a polite young girl. The film has a notorious twist that many viewers remember.

The Premise

After a painful loss, Kate (Vera Farmiga) and John (Peter Sarsgaard) adopt Esther (Isabelle Fuhrman), a quiet nine-year-old with old-fashioned manners. Strange things begin to happen. Kate becomes convinced that something is wrong with Esther, but nobody believes her.

Why It Works

  • Isabelle Fuhrman gives a chilling, controlled performance as Esther.
  • Vera Farmiga makes Kate a believable, stressed mother.
  • The film builds its dread with small, creepy details.
  • A late revelation changes how you see Esther from the first scene.

At a Glance

  • Director: Jaume Collet-Serra
  • Cast: Vera Farmiga, Peter Sarsgaard, Isabelle Fuhrman, CCH Pounder
  • Genre: Psychological horror
  • Released: 2009

Verdict

A lurid, effective thriller with a famous turn. Avoid spoilers, because the film relies on them.

  • Who should watch: Fans of horror with a big twist.
  • Spoilers: none. We never reveal the twist in this review.

Frequently Asked Questions About:
"Orphan"

Yes. It has intense scenes, violence and a lot of tension.

Yes. Orphan: First Kill followed in 2022.

Isabelle Fuhrman plays Esther.

Last updated: November, 2026
– Film details and cast information checked.
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