The Orphan
The Orphan

Movie spotlight

The Orphan

1975
Movie
85 min
Xhosa

A powerful story of a small boy who puts up a struggle against all odds of life. He wins through to become top surgeon. Even this has it's problems.

Insights

IMDb5.6/10
Director: Peter CollinsonGenres: Drama, Horror

Plot Summary

A young couple adopts a severely withdrawn seven-year-old girl named Sarah who was found abandoned in a park. Initially, they believe her silence and odd behavior are due to trauma, but her behavior soon escalates into disturbing and violent acts, leading them to suspect she may be possessed or far more sinister than they imagined.

Critical Reception

The Orphan was met with mixed to negative reviews upon its release, with critics often citing its predictable plot and reliance on horror tropes. However, it has garnered a cult following over the years, appreciated by some for its atmospheric tension and chilling performance by its lead actress.

What Reviewers Say

  • While some viewers found the film suspenseful, others deemed it overly familiar.

  • The narrative's reliance on a 'creepy child' trope was a common point of criticism.

  • Performances were generally considered adequate, though not outstanding.

Google audience: Information regarding specific Google user reviews for 'The Orphan (1975)' is not readily available in public archives, making it difficult to summarize audience sentiment.

Fun Fact

The film was originally released in the UK as 'The Killer Who Wouldn't Die' before being retitled for its US release.

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