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.

Like the first flick, it manages to be both classy and trashy in about equal measure.

This movie has no reason to exist, but it works overtime to justify itself, becoming a worthwhile companion piece to the original that must be seen big, loud, and with an audible crowd (or with a group of friends at home on Paramount+).

Is this prequel necessary? Absolutely not, but it’s an enjoyable popcorn slasher horror with plenty of truly savage and bloodthirsty moments.

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.