A prequel to 2009’s Orphan, Orphan: First Kill directed by William Brent Bell finds Leena (Isabelle Fuhrman) has managed to escape from the Saarne Instituute in Estonia. Though she’s 31, a hormonal disorder leaves her looking like a child. Leena uses her appearance as a tool to lure unsuspecting victims.
Assuming the identity of Esther, a missing child with wealthy American parents, Leena aims to start a new life. She is soon claimed by ecstatic Tricia (Julia Stiles) and Allen (Rossif Sutherland), who lost Esther four years earlier. Tricia and Allen work hard to help her assimilate, whereas brother Gunnar (Matthew Finlan) is openly resentful. Thrilled by the opulent lifestyle, Esther plans to stay awhile. Despite her efforts, old habits die hard and its not long before dark things start to happen. Tricia begins to have doubts about Esther, leading to a confrontation between the two.
The biggest issue here is having Isabelle Fuhrman play Esther. In the first Orphan, she was a 10-year-old playing an adult—a concept that works because we know disorders of that sort exist. However, since First Kill arrived more than a decade later, Fuhrman is now a 23-year-old playing a 31-year-old playing a nine-year-old. This isn’t a knock against Fuhrman but a biological issue. While make-up and stunt doubles are used to give the impression of youth, at no time did she look like nine-year-old. I would have recast the role, but I guess that wasn’t possible.
If you don’t believe the contrast in age, the story falls apart. The filmmaker’s decision to use stunt doubles is laughable at times, as they never come close to fooling the viewer. If you don’t believe Esther is a nine-year-old, the rest of the story is pointless.
Even without these issues, I don’t think First Kill would have been successful. Orphan ended on a major twist that’s mediocre at best. First Kill does nothing to rise above that mediocrity. Those who liked Orphan might like First Kill for what it is, otherwise, the film doesn’t have anything to offer.
Presented in the 1.85:1 aspect ratio, Orphan: First Kill has been given a serviceable transfer. Sharpness is a bit flat, but I suspect some of it is due to efforts to de-age Esther. There are moments of solid clarity throughout. Colors are rather dull, but the dark nature of the film makes this appropriate. Depth is pleasing whether it be human features or environs. Black levels are acceptable as are whites and skin tones.
Don’t expect anything special from the DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 lossless soundtrack. Not particularly dynamic, it lacks the punch you might expect from a horror track. Front heavy, it’s largely focused on delivering a moody atmosphere. Music is well mixed and contributes to the its overall effectiveness. Dialogue is clear throughout. Like the video, this soundtrack is serviceable.
English, English SDH and Spanish subtitles are available.
There are no special features, but Paramount has included a digital copy code.
