Spaniard director Jaume Collet-Serra who directed this year’s minor hit, The Shallows, actually came to notice with his 2009 horror film, Orphan. Made for a mere $20 million USD, the film went on to gross $78.3 million USD world wide making it quite successful. Scary children films have been around for years including the thriller from the 1950’s The Bad Seed which seemed to really bring this subgenre of horror to the forefront. But Orphan had a new twist that gave it word-of-mouth that many films would love to have.

With the stillborn death of their third child, Kate and John Coleman’s marriage seems to begin to unravel. Kate who’s had to deal with behavioral health issues for much of her life seems to fall into a funk. But the couple decide that maybe adoption would be something to consider. Soon they adopt a nine year old Russian girl named Esther who seems to be everything they had always hoped for. But as the initial delight fades away, a creeping ennui begins to once more fall upon the family. And their happy life quickly turns into dread.

The film received fairly good reviews by critics and was championed by the late Roger Ebert. Written by David Leslie Johnson who’s on tap for the upcoming Marvel/Disney Aquaman film, Orphan also starred Vera Farmiga, Peter Sarsgaard, and Isabelle Fuhrman in a star making role. Chosen by Eric for the Dark Discussions Facebook poll, listeners voted for Orphan to be discussed by your co-hosts. Listen to hear what each felt about this modern cult classic.