Metacritic Movie Ratings
The Orphanage Reviews

A sample of reviews from critics across the country.

• 90

  out of 100

  VarietyJustin Chang

  A fastidiously grim ghost story that rattles the bones of the haunted-house genre and finds plenty of fresh (but not too bloody) meat.

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• 88

  out of 100

  Chicago Sun-TimesRoger Ebert

  Deliberately aimed at viewers with developed attention spans. It lingers to create atmosphere, a sense of place, a sympathy with the characters, instead of rushing into cheap thrills.

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• 75

  out of 100

  Entertainment WeeklyLisa Schwarzbaum

  You're either in the mood to go along with the puzzle pieces or you're not. I'm not usually a puzzle-piece fan myself, not when it's clear that the filmmaker rigs the moves. But I couldn't help but fall for the repurposed real estate, and cheer for the lady strong enough to break through walls when she senses a child is waiting.

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• 75

  out of 100

  USA TodayClaudia Puig

  In a season filled with dark-themed films, it stands out as an elegantly mounted, surprisingly humane but terrifying horror thriller well worth seeing.

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• 70

  out of 100

  Los Angeles TimesCarina Chocano

  An unexpectedly poignant ghost story.

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• 70

  out of 100

  The New York TimesA.O. Scott

  The Orphanage, a diverting, overwrought ghost story from Spain, relies on basic and durable horror movie techniques.

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• 70

  out of 100

  The Hollywood ReporterRichard James Havis

  This Spanish supernatural thriller begins interestingly and finishes intriguingly. But what lies between drags because the film lacks a driving story line.

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• 60

  out of 100

  Wall Street JournalJoe Morgenstern

  You may see The Orphanage for what it is, an enjoyable contraption, without believing a bit of it.

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