[Orphan: First Kill (2022)] Horror Movie Review - Spoiler Alert

My friend has given me a free movie coupon. After deciding about which film to watch, I chose for "Orphan: First Kill," the second film in the Orphan series, because I enjoyed the first.

Part 1 - Orphan (2009) - Spoiler Alert

Part 1 had muddled my thoughts. I felt bad for the main character, who was forced to live a harsh life without being recognised as an adult because of her physical state, but I also felt sorry for the victims when she committed a crime while using such a condition. Furthermore, it was disturbing that the film presented a narrative to the crime and the offender.

Nonetheless, I watched the second film since it reflected current tendencies in the Hollywood film industry. The Hollywood film industry has changed immensely since the first picture was released in 2009. Due to issues relating to gender discrimination and the women's rights movement, such as sexual assault allegations from so many actresses and salary discrepancy between male and female actors, American films have altered.

This effect has spread to horror films as well. Female characters in horror films are getting more common, and women are not merely dying as pretty and dumb girlfriends, but are depicted with more complicated narrative and stereoscopic characteristics.

As a consequence, even if the first film was a bit disappointing, as a film centered on a female protagonist, which was unusual at the time, I watched the second part expecting to see many changes.

How is it different from the first series?

If the first film focused on the victims' family, the second series is solely focused on Esther. It is about how her primary murder pattern started. However, like with the last film, I was disappointed with the film's substance, which gave the killers a narrative and humanized them.

Nonetheless, I preferred this "Orphan: First Kill" series over the first. Before I explain why, I'd want to warn you that this chapter may contain spoilers.

Neat story with an introduction, development, turn, and conclusion.

First, the protagonist and subject of the plot are clear. It was difficult to know if the main character was Esther or the family that adopted Esther in the first film, immersion in the plot weakened and it got more difficult to focus on the movie as the story progressed. When a film has a solid story line and a introduction, development, turn, and conclusion, the movie stays with you long after you've finished watching it.

"The killer Esther murdered the family, but how did she kill them?" I wondered the next day after seeing the first film. How did she kill them? It was also tough to recall the story. It moreover implies that the plot moved in a hazy, unfocused approach.

On the other hand, even when viewing the movie, this [Orphan: First Kill] has a clear focus and central character, the story line progresses smoothly and without hassle. Those who appreciate films with complicated and diverse plots may find this to be a "easy movie." There is, however, no better film for people who like clean plots with a clear introduction, development, turn, and conclusion.

Representation of independent and autonomous Esther

Esther's dress, personality, and some scenes in the first film were all depicted as pedophile sexual objects. This detail shone out in Esther's typical Lolita outfit.

In contrast to the previous film, Esther in "Orphan: First Kill" appeals to a lot of linear angles and dynamic action lines and is depicted as an autonomous and strong character. The appearance of such a large movement can highlight her violent and devious personality.

Huge plot twist

To summarize this film in one phrase, "there is a flying one above a running one," as an ancient Korean saying goes. There's Esther, who silently seeks to infiltrate herself as a parasite amid the seemingly average family, but this family was not ordinary either. This plot twist became the primary factor, allowing "Orphan: First Kill" to shine the brightest.

A film of punishment without goodness

There is a four Korean Chinese character idiom written "勸善懲惡". It means to encourage good and punish evil. There are various scenes in this film that will pierce the viewer's heart. I won't go any farther to avoid ruining the movie. There is one scene of cruelty that will make any child lover giggle at least once.

Overall opinion

As I said before, it's better than the first part, but if you think about it too deeply, it's a no-brainer. Even though the previous film was not perfect enough to be enjoyed, "Orphan: First Kill" is a movie you can fully appreciate when you empty your mind and focus on the essence of a horror action movie.

Aisha Sin, Korean-English translator/interpreter

"Garage of Aisha" Korean Blog : https://blog.naver.com/aichasgarage

Contact : spi.d0417@gmail.com