Orphans review – oddball hostage power play is a peculiar gem

"Orphans" is a gripping drama that plunges viewers into the twisted world of two oddball brothers and their sinister game of psychological manipulation. Treat (Chris Walley) and Phillip (Fred Woodley Evans), the vulnerable younger sibling and the petty thief, respectively, appear to be an unlikely duo, but beneath their chaotic exterior lies a complex web of emotions and desires.

When Harold (Forbes Masson), a charismatic interloper with a troubled past, enters their lives, the brothers' dynamics are turned upside down. Initially introduced as a victim, Harold slowly exerts his dominance over the household, manipulating both sons to suit his own sinister agenda. The tension is palpable as Harold's presence ignites a cat-and-mouse game of power struggles, where neither party gives in.

The play cleverly explores themes of orphans and their childhood trauma, highlighting the lasting impact on Phillip and Treat. As they navigate their relationships with Harold, they are forced to confront their own vulnerabilities and insecurities, ultimately becoming pawns in his twisted game.

Director Al Miller brings a sense of claustrophobia and tension to the stage, skillfully ratcheting up the emotional intensity as the stakes rise. However, the play's setup sometimes feels stagnant, veering into symbolic or surreal territory without fully exploring the relationships between Harold and the brothers.

Furthermore, some plot points are left unexplained, such as the brothers' apparent bigotry, which is portrayed as both understandable and disturbing. This lack of clarity serves as a reminder that the play operates on the fringes of acceptable narrative, refusing to be bound by traditional dramatic conventions.

What truly holds "Orphans" together, however, are the performances of the three lead actors. Treat, Phillip, and Harold form an unsettling yet mesmerizing triangle, each bringing their own unique brand of chaos and vulnerability to the stage. Their characters' desperation, anger, and ambition become contagious, drawing the audience into their twisted world.

Ultimately, "Orphans" is a peculiar gem that refuses to be pigeonholed. Its unconventional narrative and themes may raise questions in the viewer's mind, but it is also a powerful exploration of human psychology and relationships. With outstanding performances at its core, this gripping drama will leave you breathless and questioning the true nature of power dynamics in the darkest corners of the human heart.

I just watched "Orphans" and I gotta say, it's like something outta a nightmare ! Those two brothers are messed up from day one and Harold just takes it to a whole new level . The way he manipulates them is so twisted and unsettling, it's like you're right there with 'em in the chaos .

I'm not really sure what to make of some parts, like why Phillip and Treat are bigoted or whatever . It feels like it's supposed to be a commentary on something but it just kinda leaves me confused . And don't even get me started on how Harold's character is all over the place .

But despite all that, the actors do an amazing job bringing these messed up characters to life . Treat, Phillip, and Harold are like three peas in a pod, causing chaos and drama wherever they go . I was on the edge of my seat the whole time wondering what would happen next .

Overall, "Orphans" is like a train wreck that you can't look away from . It's weird, it's uncomfortable, but somehow it works? Maybe that's just me, but if you're feeling brave, go check it out !

omg u guys i just watched "Orphans" on stage n i'm still reeling it's like they're speaking a different language but trust me the performances are insane treat, philip, and harold have this toxic triangle going on and you can feel the tension building up to that climax

the director does an amazing job creating this claustrophobic atmosphere but sometimes i felt like they were holding back on the plot like what's up with the brothers' bigotry? didn't think that one through

anyway the lead actors are straight fire and they make you feel all the emotions from desperation to anger to ambition it's like you're right there with them so yeah "Orphans" is definitely a weird but wonderful gem

I'm loving how "Orphans" pushes boundaries with its portrayal of complex characters and twisted game of psychological manipulation . The performances are insane, Treat, Phillip, and Harold have this toxic triangle going on that's both captivating and unsettling. What really gets me is how the play explores trauma and vulnerability in a way that feels authentic but also raises some pretty thought-provoking questions about power dynamics. I'm not sure if it's totally successful in tying up all the loose ends, but the tension and emotional intensity are SO ON POINT

I dont really get why the lead guy Harold has such a big influence over the brothers so fast? like they just go along with it because he's charismatic? and also whats up with that weird bigotry thing they have? is it supposed to be part of some deeper psychological issue or just random? still, the acting is insane! Treat, Phillip, and Harold are like a toxic love triangle and I love how they all bring this crazy energy to the stage

I think "Orphans" is super intense and kinda hard to watch, you know? It's like they're playing with fire but still manage to make it feel real. The actors are insane, Treat and Phillip are so vulnerable and Harold is just so charismatic . I'm not really sure what to make of the ending tho , it feels like they're just kinda... done . But at the same time, it's like they're saying something deep about human nature or whatever . I don't know if I'd watch it again tho , it was pretty messed up .

I gotta say, this "Orphans" play sounds super weird ... I mean, a sinister game of psychological manipulation between two brothers and some new guy who just shows up? It's like something out of a thriller movie or a TV series... but is it really a good idea to make a whole play about that stuff?

And what's with the brother being a petty thief? That just feels like an added layer of weirdness . And don't even get me started on the lack of clarity around some plot points, like why they're all so bigoted... it just feels like it was thrown in there for shock value .

But at the same time, I guess if it's executed right, it could be kinda fascinating to watch . The performances of the three lead actors do sound pretty compelling, especially if they can bring some real tension and emotional depth to the characters .

I'm still not convinced that this is something I'd actually want to see live in person though ... maybe a video streaming it would be more my speed .

I gotta say, "Orphans" sounds like a wild ride . The way it explores themes of childhood trauma and psychological manipulation is pretty fascinating. I love how the director brings a sense of tension to the stage, but at the same time, I can see how some plot points might feel a bit stagnant or unclear .

One thing that did catch my eye was the portrayal of bigotry in the play. It's understandable that it would be portrayed as both complex and disturbing, but at the same time, it felt like it could've been handled more explicitly . Still, I'm all for plays that push boundaries and challenge our assumptions .

What really drew me to this review, though, was how much the performances of the three lead actors stole the show . Treat, Phillip, and Harold are definitely an unsettling yet mesmerizing trio, and their chemistry on stage is undeniable . If you're looking for a thought-provoking drama that'll keep you on the edge of your seat, "Orphans" might be worth checking out

I'm absolutely fascinated by how "Orphans" delves into the complexities of sibling relationships and childhood trauma . The way it masterfully weaves together themes of psychological manipulation, power struggles, and vulnerability is truly captivating. I love how the play's tension builds towards a mesmerizing climax, leaving the audience on the edge of their seats. However, I do think that some plot points could be more fleshed out - those symbolic moments feel like they're meant to be more than just vague foreshadowing . The performances by the lead actors are undeniably phenomenal, bringing a level of authenticity and desperation to their characters that's hard to look away from . Overall, I think "Orphans" is a thought-provoking masterpiece that will leave you questioning your own relationships and the true nature of human psychology

I gotta say, I went into "Orphans" thinking it was gonna be just another weird play about some troubled fam, but man, it really delivered ! The performances from Treat, Phillip, and Harold were insane - they're like three peas in a pod of messed up . It's crazy to see how one guy can bring so much tension and energy to the stage, I mean Harold is basically the king of manipulation .

But at the same time, it was kinda hard for me to get on board with some of the plot points - like, why do the brothers seem so bigoted all of a sudden? I think that's what kept me from being fully immersed in the story. Still, the ending was intense and left me feeling really uncomfortable . Overall, it's definitely a wild ride and not for everyone, but if you're down for something a little offbeat, give it a shot

OMG I just saw "Orphans" on stage and I'm still reeling from it! The way the actors brought their characters to life was insane, especially Treat's vulnerability and Phillip's anger issues . But what really got me was how the director balanced tension with emotional depth – it was like they were pulling us into this twisted world alongside the characters .

However, I did feel like some plot points were kinda left out in the air , especially that whole bigotry thing... was it meant to be commentary on societal norms or just a weird part of Harold's personality? Not entirely sure, but it definitely made me think . Still, the performances were ON POINT and I loved how the story didn't shy away from exploring darker themes .

All in all, "Orphans" was like a wild rollercoaster ride through the human psyche – it was unsettling, mesmerizing, and left me questioning everything . Will definitely be thinking about this one for a while

I just watched "Orphans" with my squad and I'm still trying to process it . The way the brothers' dynamic changes when Harold shows up is so intense, like a slow-burning fire . And Forbes Masson's performance as Harold is giving me chills . He's got this charisma that's both captivating and unsettling at the same time. I love how the play explores the themes of trauma and vulnerability, it's like looking into a dark mirror .

But, you know what's trippy? The way the director ratchets up the tension and claustrophobia. It's like we're trapped in this twisted world with the characters . And those plot points that feel stagnant... yeah, they can be a bit confusing at times. But overall, I think it's a bold move by the playwright to push boundaries and explore unconventional themes.

What really stood out for me was the performances of the three lead actors. Treat, Phillip, and Harold are like a toxic trio , but in a good way? They're so complex and multi-dimensional that you can't look away. The way they all bring their own brand of chaos to the stage is mesmerizing. Have you seen it yet?

omg i just watched "Orphans" last nite and i'm still reeling from it that plot twist tho?! i didn't see it comin' at all. anyway, i was thinkin about how the main character Harold is soooo charismatic but also super messed up what's up with him? like why does he have to be so dominant over the brothers? can't he just chill for once?

and omg the tension between Treat and Phillip is palpable it's like they're tryin to outmaneuver each other in a game of psychological warfare. i love how the director brings that claustrophobic feel to the stage, it adds so much to the drama.

but yeah, some parts felt a bit stagnant for me like what's up with the brothers' bigotry? is it just supposed to be portrayed as weird and uncomfortable or somethin'? idk man, maybe i'm just not seein it

Wow! I'm really intrigued by how this play explores the complex web of emotions and desires within a toxic family dynamic... Interesting that the director's use of claustrophobia and tension creates an unsettling atmosphere on stage! The performances of the lead actors seem to be the glue that holds the whole thing together, drawing the audience in with their unique brand of chaos.

OMG I'm literally on the edge of my seat while watching this show... I love how it's like they're playing a twisted game of cat and mouse with each other, but also you can't look away because you're invested in their sick drama The lead actors are insane, especially Harold - he's so creepy and charismatic at the same time I'm not sure what to make of that plot point though, is it right or wrong? I need more context on that, but overall, this show is SO good Can't wait for the next episode!

Wow the way the lead actors bring their characters to life is insane! I was totally invested in their twisted game of psychological manipulation . The tension on stage was palpable, especially with Harold's sinister presence looming over everything . I loved how the director brought a sense of claustrophobia and emotional intensity to the play . However, some plot points did feel a bit stagnant for me... Interesting

I am literally HOOKED on this play "Orphans"!!! The way the actors bring those characters to life is just WOW Treat, Phillip, and Harold are like a toxic triple threat - I'm here for it And the tension in that play? It's like my nerves are going to shatter into a million pieces but in a good way, you know? The way they explore those themes of childhood trauma and power struggles is so thought-provoking And can we talk about Forbes Masson's performance as Harold? FOR. BESSES.

I'm kinda confused about Harold being introduced as a victim at first, but then he's just manipulating everyone like a puppet master . It feels like they're playing this twisted game where no one wins, and it's all just so...intense. I need to see more of what happens behind the scenes of this family drama - are there any secrets hiding in plain sight? The tension is real, but sometimes I feel like the plot can get a bit murky . Still, those lead performances are on point, and it's honestly mesmerizing to watch them go at each other .

omg u gotta check out dis new play "Orphans" it's literally so twisted & intense! the acting is insane esp w/ the 3 lead actors - they're like a toxic trio treat, philip, & harold all bring their own brand of crazy to the table. i love how the director keeps it claustrophobic & tense, it's like u can feel the anxiety buildin' up. probs got some weird parts tho, like that bigotry thing but overall it's def worth watchin' if u're into that kinda stuff.

[Image of Grumpy Cat with a thought bubble of a person being manipulated by another, captioned "When Harold's got you in his game "]