Orphan: First Kill

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.

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.

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.

This sinister sequel can't compare to its older sister flick, but it's not without its own ghoulish goodies.

Julia Stiles really goes for broke as the mother in this movie, which I really appreciate.

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.

Orphan: First Kill isn’t as gripping as the original film, but its self-aware tone helps make this prequel better than one might expect.

Orphan: First Kill is entertaining, and even when it doesn’t compare to the original movie, it’s fun to watch what happens to this family.

While watching Orphan: First Kill, you can't help but feel as if it's being strangled by its own reverence to the original movie. From the 2000s reminiscent cinematography that replicates the cold tones of the 2009 film, to the step-by-step script.

Orphan: First Kill struggles to find it's footing at first, as a slow plot and poor dialogue make it seem a little drab. However, when the twist kicks in and our actors are allowed to truly take their characters on, it's incredibly entertaining.