Richard Donner’s The Omen took the world by storm when it first premiered in 1976. It told the story of Damien Thorn, a child believed to be the spawn of Satan who would grow up to be the Antichrist. Since then, several sequels and even a 2006 remake have followed, but they never really amounted to the greatness of the first movie. But that all changed with The First Omen, a prequel to the original.
The First Omen is a horror film from director Arkasha Stevenson that acts as a prequel to the 1976 film The Omen. The film follows a young woman who goes to Rome to become a nun but begins to question her faith after encountering a terrifying darkness that aims to spawn an evil incarnate.
- The First Omen goes beyond surface-level storytelling.
- Nell Tiger Free gives a wonderful leading performance.
- Arkasha Stevenson’s feature debut comes with great visual storytelling.
- The editing is a bit jarring at times.
Directed by first-time feature director Arkasha Stevenson, who also co-wrote the screenplay with Keith Thomas and Tim Smith, The First Omen contains the scary elements from the classics and creative upgrades, resulting in a hit for the horror genre and The Omen franchise.
The First Omen Opens With Proper Atmosphere-Building
It sets the tone for the rest of the film and its events
The First Omen, set in 1971, starts off with a mysterious and daunting sequence that may produce equal amounts of anxiety and confusion. It’s the perfect beginning to a horror film of this kind, as we’re already familiar with the basics. Yet the mystery surrounding the conversation between Father Brennan (Ralph Ineson) and Father Harris (Charles Dance) is enough to set up the atmosphere. The screenwriters do well by keeping their conversation as vague as possible. And it’s the first reason viewers will focus on the screen and stay glued to their seats.
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Soon after, a young American woman named Margaret (Nell Tiger Free) arrives in Rome, ready to dedicate her life to God by servicing the youth at the Vizzerdeli Orphanage before her vows. In classic horror movie style, most things appear to be normal until she meets Carlita Skianna (Nicole Sorace), an outcast orphan who has been deemed bad by the nuns. Troubling visions and circumstances begin to occur, which sends Margaret on a hunt to uncover the truth. Her investigation unravels a disturbing truth that enables Stevenson to put on a tremendous horror showcase.
The First Omen
- Director
-
Arkasha Stevenson
- Release Date
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April 5, 2024
- Studio(s)
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Phantom Four
- Distributor(s)
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20th Century
- Writers
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Ben Jacoby
, Tim Smith
, Arkasha Stevenson
, Keith Thomas - Cast
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Nell Tiger Free
, Tawfeek Barhom
, sonia braga
, Ralph Ineson
, Bill Nighy - Franchise(s)
-
The Omen
- Sequel(s)
-
The Omen
The First Omen Delivers Quality Themes & Entertainment
Stevenson’s feature debut is a strong one
The best part about Stevenson’s film is how her directing guides us on a trippy journey that is equally horrifying and emotionally gripping. Even the classic jump scares come with added layers of terror that will leave a lasting picture in your mind. But underneath these standard strategies taken to amplify the mood is a genuinely good story with a theme of church corruption at the center of it all. The script intently focuses on what many people hate about religion: How people use inhumane and violent methods in God’s name even though it goes against His teachings.
Another exceptional theme explored in The First Omen is womanhood, as it relates to body autonomy and purpose. With such a prevalent topic in today’s world, the film could have swayed towards either the offensive or even a half-baked examination. But the team behind this horror film understands their central female lead and gives us a fine character journey worth every second. To that end, Free gives a performance that has already become one of my favorites in the genre. She is a young actress we should all get used to seeing on the big screen.
Often defying its own genre to borrow from the likes of thriller films, The First Omen is a prequel done right. It contains classic jump scares we all love, with an intensely emotional and frightening story to back it up. With an incredible dissection of church corruption related to evil acts in God’s name, Stevenson’s feature debut boldly uses Margaret to facilitate important dialogue when it comes to religion and understanding one’s purpose. And thanks to a great central performance from Free, I wouldn’t be surprised if The First Omen became a favorite of the entire franchise.
