I really enjoyed this film; it’s truly excellent. However, it’s the kind of story best experienced just once because subsequent viewings spoil the suspense. The finale is fantastic, yet it unfortunately prevents me from wanting to rewatch it. I am looking forward to seeing what happens next in the second installment.

From the very beginning, something didn’t quite sit right with me. The idea of how a young girl from eastern Europe could end up living with an affluent American family without any kind of verification – you know, to confirm her identity and connection – felt incredibly far-fetched. While I did find elements of the film enjoyable, that lack of believability lingered in my thoughts throughout as we witness “Esther” (I…

The acting from Isabelle Fuhrman is remarkable. It’s difficult to discuss the details because it would spoil things, though it does make sense that she was chosen for the role of Clove.