Esther, a chilling horror-thriller from Jaume Collet-Serra, lands on Netflix on October 15, 2026. Released in cinemas in 2009, the film stars Isabelle Fuhrman, Vera Farmiga, Peter Sarsgaard, Jimmy Bennett, Aryana Engineer and CCH Pounder.
After the loss of their stillborn baby, Kate and John Coleman decide to adopt a little girl. At the orphanage, they meet Esther, a nine-year-old whose maturity and manners instantly win them over.
Once settled into her new family, Esther’s behavior becomes increasingly unsettling. Kate begins to suspect the child is concealing her true identity, but those around her attribute her fears to past traumas and issues.
Isabelle Fuhrman stars as Esther opposite Vera Farmiga and Peter Sarsgaard, who play her adoptive parents. The screenplay is by David Leslie Johnson-McGoldrick, based on a story by Alex Mace.
The film later spawned a prequel, Esther 2: The Origins, released in 2022. Isabelle Fuhrman reprises her role there in a plot set before her arrival with the Coleman family.
Esther will be available on Netflix starting October 15, 2026.
To discover the rest of this month's new releases, consult our guide to Netflix October releases, our guide to new streaming titles across all platforms, and today's streaming pick What to watch today on streaming.
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