The Bad Orphan

This is a horrible adaptation of the original Orphan movie. The child didn't look eight and the acting wasn't good at all. They should have used someone with a baby face that at least had some childlike features.

There was really no suspense because all the clues were given in the beginning. It talked about her problems and the family's suspicions way too early. It was evident from the beginning that something was off, so there was nothing left to figure out. It seemed rushed and boring.

I don't know what gave the producers the thought that this was a good idea. Very disappointed in the movie.

For some people saying this is "unbelievable", I don't think they realize it is based on a true story , the Natalia Grace case. It is not based on the movie Orphan. However, in the real story of Natalia Grace the circumstances were much more complicated and the parents were involved in a lot of shady business to get her re-aged.

As far as this movie, unlike the real story, the make it seem like the parents are perfect angels who were duped. I feel like they should have kept more to the real story and made the parent's motivations a bit more nuanced.

The acting was not that great. I actually looked up the main actress because her acting is horrible. I do see where she has been part of a lot of other projects but not as a lead. I don't think she was ready for a lead actress role yet. Her acting was very wooden and she had the same expression the whole movie. The movie seemed a bit miscast overall.

The writing and scenery was ok. Typical lifetime movie. The story is interesting and I was able to watch it. It just was mediocre.

I wasn't the first, and I'm sure I won't be the last, person here to point out that this is a watered-down version of the two "Orphan" movies starring Isabelle Fuhrman. The similarities are obvious from the very beginning, which ruined the movie for me.

I can usually suspend disbelief with movies, especially the formulaic Lifetime ones. But I could not here. "Gabby" was just too clearly not a young girl, and the connection to the "Orphan" feature films could not be ignored.

Worse, what happens to the mother toward the end of the movie was over the top. It also telegraphed what was going to happen at the end of the movie. Too predictable.

If anyone hasn't seen "Orphan" or its prequel "Orphan: First Kill", find them and watch them. They are so much better than this diluted version.

Oh so in the very beginning of the movie the writing across the screen said, "The following story is fictional and does not depict any actual person or event", HOWEVER, this movie came out June 22, 2024 and I am here to tell you that statement is ABSOLUTELY a lie. Here's my reasons behind this, this is almost the EXACT same story as Natalia Grace, I am talking the main part that I seen that wasn't in the case of Natalia Grace was the mom being checked into a mental hospital. Don't believe me? Look up the movie "The Curious Case Of Natalia Grace" then watch every single story about that case and try to tell me I am wrong. I don't tolerate lying from anyone, and while the movie was a good movie, it starts off with a definite LIE!

Without going into all the details of the movie I have to say I really enjoyed this movie. Some people have questioned the story line and the age of Gabby (8) which Gabby later reveales she is 15 (the actress in this movie is really 16/17). After finding this out I can't say how impressed I was with this newcomers first ever movie role. Betsy Brandt and her made a powerful one two punch and kept viewers on the edge of their seats. This movie does not disappoint:)

It also leaves open an opportunity for a sequel as Jessica's character and Gabby's character never had any real closure to their relationship.