Orphan is a chilling horror film with an unsettling narrative. The movie revolves around a 9-year-old girl named Esther, who is adopted by a couple who are unaware of the shocking truth about her life. By the end, viewers become truly eager to dig deep into any real events or facts that might be similar to what they witnessed on screen. So, is Orphan Based on a true story? Let’s take a closer look.
Is Orphan based on a true story?
No, Orphan is not completely based on a true story. Some sources do claim that the case of Barbora Skrlova was an inspiration for the plot, but there is no confirmation of this from the creators themselves.
Barbora was involved in an actual criminal case for impersonating a young boy named Adam. All of this took place in the Czech Republic and was a part of a child abuse scandal.
Orphan’s real events and facts explained
In the movie, Esther has a condition called hypopituitarism, which is a real medical condition that hampers the pituitary gland’s ability to produce hormones. This leads to developmental challenges and a younger appearance, which is apparent in Orphan.
Moreover, hypopituitarism can stunt someone’s growth, delay puberty, and cause other health issues. In the context of the film, this condition becomes a vital plot point, and the creators masterfully build tension around this.
It is also important to understand that some elements of the condition might be dramatized to create a psychological thriller. So a few of the symptoms of hypopituitarism may not fully align with the real-life experiences of people who actually have this condition.
The real people behind Orphan’s characters
There are no real people in Orphan. Esther is the enigmatic yet disturbing child who is at the center of it all. The filmmakers crafted her character to represent anxieties associated with adoption rather than to represent a real person.
Is Esther a real person?
No, Esther is a fictional character, who is a mysterious and disturbed child adopted by the Colemans. Her defining trait is her physical appearance, affected by a rare condition that allows her to be deceptive about her age. Throughout the film, a web of suspense is woven around her origins.
Is John Coleman a real person?
John Coleman is the patriarch of the Coleman family, and he is not based on a real person. He is the breadwinner, who works to provide stability for his family.
Is Kate Coleman a real person?
Kate is another fictional person in the film. Her character is shaped by the trauma of losing her own child, which makes her vulnerable and an easy target for Esther to manipulate.
