Joseph M.’s review published on Letterboxd:
This is a genuine supremely fucked up movie with most of the trauma happening to children. On that front alone, it’s dark.
The gradual build up to what really is “wrong” with Esther is anxiety-inducing, and the twist is a pretty big blindside, even if it does border on the line of silly if you really think too hard about it. But watching Esther pull off all of her manipulative schemes is equal parts aggravating and fun. Shoutout to my roommate who yelled “what a c*nt!” At least 3 separate times throughout the viewing experience.
But man, overall this is such an effective film that puts a new spin on the evil child sub genre. And we are treated to amazing performances from Isabelle Fuhrman and the always amazing and beautiful and extremely talented Vera Farmiga!