The film follows Kate (Vera Farmiga) and John Coleman (Peter Sarsgaard), a married couple who recently lost their unborn child due to Kate’s miscarriage. In an attempt to heal from the trauma, they decide to adopt a child. They visit an orphanage and are drawn to a 9-year-old girl named Esther (Isabelle Fuhrman), who is an artist and seems mature beyond her years.
Kate and John adopt Esther and bring her home to join their family, which includes their biological children, Max (Aryana Engineer) and Daniel (Jimmy Bennett). However, strange events begin to occur around Esther, and Kate becomes increasingly suspicious of her behavior. Esther’s behavior becomes more erratic and violent, leading to accidents that endanger Max and Daniel.
As Kate investigates Esther’s past, she discovers disturbing secrets about her true identity. Esther is actually a 33-year-old woman named Leena Klammer, who suffers from a rare condition called hypopituitarism, which stunted her growth and made her appear much younger than she actually is. Leena has a history of violence and manipulation, having previously posed as a child and been adopted by multiple families, all of whom suffered tragic fates.
As Kate delves deeper into Leena’s past, she realizes that Leena is responsible for the deaths of her previous adoptive families and is targeting her own family next. Kate confronts Leena, who reveals her true intentions and attempts to kill her. In a climactic showdown, Kate manages to defeat Leena and save her family, ultimately killing Leena in self-defense.
The film ends with Kate and John mourning the loss of their daughter, Max recovering from her injuries, and Daniel beginning to move past the trauma. Despite the horrors they have endured, the Coleman family finds solace in each other and the hope of moving forward together.
“Orphan” is a chilling and suspenseful thriller that explores themes of trust, identity, and the dark side of adoption. With its shocking twists and turns, the film keeps viewers on the edge of their seats until the very end.