“Orphan” returns to the big screen as “Orphan: First Kill,” a prequel to the original starring Isabelle Fuhrman, Julia Stiles, Matthew Finlan, Rossif Sutherland, and directed by William Brent Bell of “The Boy” and “The Devil Inside” fame. The film gives insight into the background surrounding Esther’s (Furhman) character while giving audiences a deep dive into Esther’s disturbed mind.The film provides a perfect prequel to the original, expanding on the lore surrounding Esther while taking a different direction than its predecessor, diverging from horror mystery to psychological slasher. It gives a mix of the “Child Play” series, and “Joker” (2019) vibes.

The story begins with Esther’s escape from the Saarne mental institute in Estonia. She poses as a missing child impersonating the missing daughter of a wealthy family in America.

“Orphan: First Kill” takes a different direction from the original. Instead of being a murder mystery surrounding the danger that Esther poses to the family, with the mother as the lead, this new version instead centers on Esther’s psychological mechanism as she attempts to survive inside a household while keeping her cover.

The introduction was excellent, providing the necessary information to viewers who have not seen the first film by demonstrating the danger that Esther poses to the people around her.

The film has a superb soundtrack that juxtaposes events in the story that help demonstrate the mental state of the characters within the film.

The movie has proven itself not to be afraid to switch the table around on the audience, including a plot twist that changes the narrative halfway through the film that brings some new excitement into the traditionally expected slasher.

However, the film did tumble in the special effects, especially surrounding the usage of fire, often to render on the low end of technology. 

Overall, the film delivered an amazing experience with an all-around amazing cast that is perfect for anyone who loves a horrific plot twist.