Orphan

August 5, 2009 - A couple already raising two children gets a lot more than they bargained for when they adopt a third. Vera Farmiga and Peter Sarsgaard are the parents; 12-year-old Isabelle Fuhrman gives a breakout performance as the orphan.

Farmiga and Sarsgaard play Kate and John Coleman, who live in Connecticut with their two children. Kate used to teach at Yale, but she lost that job because she started drinking after the couple's third child was stillborn. The Colemans are trying to hold their marriage together, and adopting an older child seems like a good idea at the time. They pay a visit to the local orphanage and are captivated by Esther (Fuhrman), an artistic girl who seems mature beyond her years.

Once Esther moves into the house, it doesn't take long for Kate to realize that adopting her may have been a big mistake. But, John defends Esther and refuses to see that there may be more to Esther's alarming behavior than a simple adjustment period. That denial turns out to have fatal consequences.

Overall review: *** I didn't know what to expect when I went to see this film. I read a synopsis online, but hadn't seen any trailers or any commercials. But, I have to say, I was pleasantly surprised. The movie relies on some fairly standard horror flick tricks, but the plot twist is interesting and Fuhrman is very good. About the only thing I didn't like was Sarsgaard as the husband. I don't think he was right for the role.