Orphan: First Kill
critic Reviews
, 72% Fresh Tomatometer Score- Leaning into its ludicrous premise, Orphan: First Kill is a sequel that holds its own -- and for fans of campy horror, may even represent an improvement on the original.
- , Fresh Tomatometer ScoreScott TobiasThe Reveal
Its creators understood that the job demands clearing a high bar for crazy, which inspires a go-for-broke pulp energy that’s appealingly ragged.
Read full article - , Fresh Tomatometer ScorePaul ByrnesSydney Morning Herald
Orphan: First Kill would not pass logical examination by a reasonably sentient teenager, but it has fun with its materials and does not lose sight of its one governing idea -- that every family is weird in its own peculiar way.
Read full article - , Fresh Tomatometer ScoreStephen RomeiThe Australian
While there is a fair bit of blood left on the walls, floor and elsewhere, this is more of a psychological thriller than a slasher flick, and is far the better for it.
Read full article - , Rotten Tomatometer ScoreKristy PuchkoMashable
This sinister sequel can't compare to its older sister flick, but it's not without its own ghoulish goodies.
Read full article - , Fresh Tomatometer ScoreAmy NicholsonFilmWeek (KPCC - NPR Los Angeles)
Julia Stiles really goes for broke as the mother in this movie, which I really appreciate.
Read full article - , Fresh Tomatometer ScoreK. Austin CollinsRolling Stone
The pleasure of watching Esther out of her league is its own satisfaction, even given the dullness otherwise -- and even given the promise that some mistakes are bound to be repeated.
Read full article - , Rotten Tomatometer ScoreJohn SerbaDecider
Credit the screenplay for staying a step ahead of us and not being too predictable; ding the director for not delivering a single memorable kill.
Read full article - , Rotten Tomatometer ScoreJonathan SimComingSoon.net
Because of poor creative choices and dull direction, Orphan: First Kill is a misfire of a prequel that recycles the same tropes and masks it with a few surprising plot twists.
Read full article - , Fresh Tomatometer ScorePaul MountStarburst
The new twist is glorious, utterly wrong-footing both its audience and Esther and the melodrama that plays out is positively Gothic in its unashamed high-camp absurdity.
Read full article - , Rotten Tomatometer ScoreJonathan DeHaanNightmare on Film Street
Orphan: First Kill falls into the same overworked template that claims so many horror prequels. It’s working to a conclusion that’s out in the wide open and it fails to do much more than remind you of something you already enjoyed.
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