14 DAY TRIAL // US adoption agencies usually have very diverging stands on most aspects, but, as far as the new Warner Bros. horror film is concerned, they finally do feel the same. “Orphan,” the story of a little adopted girl with a “secret,” has managed to enrage most adoption agencies and groups that have formed a coalition to summon Walt Disney to do something about the film before its release this week, the Hollywood Reporter informs.
“Orphan” is a classic horror film with kids, it is being said. The only twist it brings is that the apparently innocent girl Esther taken in by a family that already has children is not really as innocent as she might seem. The trailer of the film, embedded below, better illustrates the plot of the horror flick without giving away its ending.
However, adoption agencies are saying enough is enough. In a letter addressed to the movie studio, they are pointing out that, besides the purely entertainment value, the film could also be interpreted as some sort of warning against adoption or, at best, that it could work to convince couples both in the US and abroad never to adopt a child because of the message it bears. Because of this, Warner Bros. should at least consider changing something about the film before it hits theaters in the US on July 24.
“We are concerned that in addition to its intended entertainment value, this film will have the unintended effect of skewing public opinion against children awaiting families both in the United States and abroad.” the letter of the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute, addressed to the Warner Bros. CEO, reads. In view of making sure this does not happen, members of the Coalition are asking to have a meeting with the CEO before the release of the film, to see whether there is something that can be done about their concerns.
One option would be, for instance, adding a pro-adoption message at the end of the film on the DVD edition, the aforementioned movie-oriented publication writes. Whether that would be enough for the Coalition is not yet known, since the Warner Bros. CEO is still to acknowledge the letter in any way. In the meanwhile, below is the “Orphan” trailer. Enjoy.