Common Sense Media Review
By Barbara Shulgasser-Parker
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Old rivals reunite to avenge a death; language, violence.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 15+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
The Orphans
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
In THE ORPHANS, teen Leila (Sonia Faidi) fiercely competes in fighting tournaments, during which she displays a disqualifying hot temper. While driving away from the latest bout with her mother Sofia, they are struck by a hit-and-run driver. Sofia, who continued to work at the orphanage where she grew up, dies of her injuries. Driss (Dali Benssalah), ex-military and now in private security, and Gabriel (Alban Lenoir), internal affairs police, both come back to the orphanage to support Leila. They each loved Sofia long ago in a bitter rivalry and either one may be Leila's dad. When Leila guesses the identity of the hit-and-run driver, she grabs Gabriel's gun and goes after the guy. Gabriel, Driss, and Leila go on the run, and lots of car and foot chases, shootouts, fistfights, and general violence follow.
Is It Any Good?
For those who love nonstop, choreographed violence, The Orphans is a skillful display. Still, at a certain point, the ongoing punching and hitting of characters who keep falling down and miraculously getting up again for more becomes dull. If there was some emotional core the movie seeks to get to, the emphasis on fighting wipes that possibility away. The caustic interplay between the deceased Sofia's ex-boyfriends provides some humor but gets a bit old. Once that dead weight is dropped, with courage and moxie, the guys fight together to save Leila.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the complicated relationship between two former rivals. How does their past relationship set up their hostility and foreshadow their newfound respect for each other?
The movie often feels like a showcase for the actors' fighting skills and the directors' love of fighting and action. How does all the action and violence fit with the plot of the movie? Does it seem tacked on to the narrative or a genuinely organic part of the story?
The secondary plot revolves around paternity. Which do you think is more bonding for the characters—the possibility that someone is Leila's dad, or the scary and threatening experience they all go through together?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : February 20, 2026
- Cast : Alban Lenoir , Dali Benssalah , Sonia Faidi
- Director : Olivier Schneider
- Inclusion Information : Middle Eastern/North African Movie Actor(s) , Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Netflix
- Genre : Action/Adventure
- Topics : Family Stories
- Run time : 95 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : March 8, 2026
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