Case 39
In her many years as a social worker, Emily Jenkins believes she has seen it all, until she meets 10-year-old Lilith and the girl's cruel parents. Emily's worst fears are confirmed when the parents try to harm the child, and so Emily assumes custody of Lilith while she looks for a foster family. However, Emily soon finds that dark forces surround the seemingly innocent girl, and the more she tries to protect Lilith, the more horrors she encounters.
Critics Sentiment
Douglas dies after hallucinating hornets emerging from his body
Lillith's parents are killed by burning and fork stabbing
The film peaks with Douglas's disturbing hornet death scene, then drops significantly during the more routine deaths of Lillith's parents
Case 39 starts strong with an intriguing investigation and shocking oven scene, building effectively through psychological manipulation and creative death sequences. While the supernatural reveal is predictable, the film maintains solid tension through strong performances, particularly from Jodelle Ferland as the demonic child. The climactic underwater battle provides visual spectacle, though some reviewers found the resolution less satisfying than the buildup.
Full cast
Showing 20 of 38
Renée Zellweger
Emily Jenkins
Jodelle Ferland
Lillith Sullivan
Ian McShane
Detective Mike Barron
Bradley Cooper
Douglas J. Ames
Adrian Lester
Wayne
Kerry O'Malley
Margaret Sullivan
Callum Keith Rennie
Edward Sullivan
Cynthia Stevenson
Nancy
Alexander Conti
Diego
Philip Cabrita
Javier
Vanesa Tomasino
Javier's Wife
Mary Black
Custody Judge
Domenico D'Ambrosio
Domenico D'Ambrosio
Benita Ha
Therapist
J. Winston Carroll
Judge
Michael Bean
Co-Worker
Lesley Ewen
Co-Worker
David Patrick Green
Chief Psychiatrist
Dee Jay Jackson
Bus Driver
Taya Calicetto
Young Emily
Crew
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