Orphan: First Kill (2022) serves as a chilling prequel to the 2009 horror hit, revealing the shocking origins of the murderous Esther. The film follows Esther's brilliant escape from an Estonian psychiatric facility and her subsequent journey to America, where she cunningly impersonates the missing daughter of the wealthy Albright family. What begins as a calculated scheme soon unravels into a tense psychological battle as family secrets surface and Esther's true nature threatens to emerge.

Isabelle Fuhrman delivers a remarkable performance, returning to the role that launched her career while convincingly portraying a younger version of the character through clever filmmaking techniques. Julia Stiles and Rossif Sutherland provide excellent support as the grieving parents whose desperation makes them vulnerable to Esther's manipulation. Director William Brent Bell maintains a palpable tension throughout, blending psychological horror with moments of genuine shock that will satisfy fans of the original.

The film succeeds by expanding the Orphan mythology while standing as an effective thriller in its own right. Viewers should watch Orphan: First Kill for its clever plot twists, strong performances, and the satisfying exploration of how Esther became the terrifying figure from the original film. The 99-minute runtime delivers efficient scares and psychological tension that horror enthusiasts will appreciate, making it a worthy addition to the franchise that answers lingering questions while providing fresh terror.