'Orchid' Review: Indie Horror Twists Obsession Into Terror
- Romey Norton
- Sep 7
- 2 min read
By Romey Norton - September 7, 2025
The best independent horror films often thrive on intimate settings and personal fears, and Orchid, directed by Jacque Rabiem, leans into both with unsettling precision. Mixing gothic tension with psychological horror, this slow-burning thriller tells the story of desire, obsession, and intrusion set against the backdrop of a secluded estate.
What is the film Orchid about?
The premise is deceptively simple: a young caretaker becomes dangerously obsessed with the older woman he tends to, only for her long-lost lover to arrive unexpectedly. What begins as simmering tension soon mutates into a dark study of jealousy and emotional instability.
The film draws on classic gothic motifs: loneliness, obsession, and forbidden desire, while situating them in an intimate indie framework. Visually, Orchid embraces a gothic minimalism. The cinematography makes striking use of the estate’s interiors, shadows, and candlelit stillness, creating an atmosphere that is both intimate and oppressive. There is also the use of animation, which is both calming and unnerving. A very interesting choice, and it’s not distracting; it does aid the film's emotional narrative.
The cast of Orchid keeps the psychological thriller from tipping into melodrama. Varda Appleton plays the older woman with nuance, balancing fragility and quiet strength. Enjoying the attention and playing with these two men in her life. Jacob Vaus embodies the caretaker’s growing obsession with unnerving subtlety, creating a character that is both sympathetic and unsettling. Meanwhile, Ron Grigsby, as the returning lover, adds an unexpected spark, his presence throwing the already tense dynamic into chaos. I enjoyed that the film only had a small number of characters - this really allows for the audience to invest and not be distracted by smaller subplots.
There are some intense and intimate moments between Appleton and Vaus, who will keep you intrigued and guessing. Will they, won’t they, do you want them to? The two males competing against one another for Henrietta's love are just as intense, and you’re waiting for one to kill the other.
Whilst the film is entertaining, it’s not without its flaws. The pacing may feel slow for audiences seeking traditional horror thrills, and some plot turns lean into the predictable, but there’s comfort in knowing what’s coming.
Is the film Orchid worth watching?
Absolutely. Orchid is a carefully cultivated psychological drama wrapped in an indie horror shell. Jacque Rabie’s direction brings a distinct moodiness to the story, and the cast carries the material with commitment and depth. While the pacing won’t be for everyone, the film rewards viewers who enjoy horror that simmers with atmosphere rather than explodes with scares. With themes of obsession, longing, and intrusion, Orchid is a haunting addition to the indie horror landscape.
Orchid is being distributed by Indie Rights, and is available to watch on Tubi and Prime Video.
Want more independent horror reviews and psychological thriller insights? Visit Film Focus Online for the latest reviews, festival features, and cinematic deep dives.
