Movie

The Orphan

1979 · 87 min

A slow, uneasy descent into a child's private ritual and a poisonous guardianship, more unsettling than shocking.

Overview: A disturbed young boy whose parents have recently died begins worshipping a stuffed chimp god as his relationship with his aunt/guardian becomes increasingly toxic. "Suggested by the short story 'Sredni Vashtar' by Saki (H. H. Munro)", per the credits.
How it feels: Eerie, dark, tense and melancholic. Slow-burning and needs your attention.
About: Grief, isolation, family, obsession
Content: Mild violence, gore and language. No sexual content.
Note: Written by AI, so it can be wrong. Full breakdown

Your rating is saved. See your suggestions, or find titles like this one below.

Rate it, and Mesmero finds titles that feel like it. You do not need an account.

Add to a list: The Orphan

In the USNo streaming, rental or purchase options known.

In your watch list

More like this

Like The Orphan, but

Written by AI. It can be wrong.

Full breakdown

Tone: eeriestrength 3 of 3
darkstrength 2 of 3
tensestrength 2 of 3
melancholicstrength 1 of 3
Pacing: slow-burn, 1 of 4, from slow-burn to relentless
Attention: engaged, 3 of 4, from background-friendly to demanding
Themes: grief
isolation
family
obsession
madness
Places: single country house
school
Era: contemporary
Audience: adult
Form: None
Content intensity: Gore mild
Language mild
Violence mild
Sex none