"A prequel made right"
Director Arkasha Stevenson’s The First Omen revitalizes the diluted subgenre of religious horror, standing out as a prime example of a prequel done right.
When I took my seat in the theater, I had low expectations and lingering disappointment from David Gordon Green's lackluster The Exorcist: Believer. But two hours later, as the credits rolled, my doubts were erased. The First Omen is one of the scariest and most effective horror movies I’ve seen in years.
The story, set shortly before the events of The Omen (1976), follows Margaret Daino (Nell Tiger Free), a young novitiate who arrives at the Vizzardeli orphanage in Rome to take her vows and become a nun. However, she soon becomes an unwitting pawn in a sinister conspiracy to bring the Antichrist into the world.
The plot is carefully constructed, slow-burning yet deeply engaging, growing darker and more horrifying as it unfolds. It expertly builds tension and delivers its most powerful moments with precision.
The connection to the original film is seamless, as the story ends where The Omen (1976) begins, while introducing an intriguing subplot that leaves room for potential continuation.
That said, a few plot points remain ambiguous, such as [specific example, e.g., “the motivations behind certain key decisions”]. These loose ends may become clearer on a rewatch, but they leave some lingering questions for now.
Unlike many modern horror films that rely on predictable plots and cheap jump scares, The First Omen draws its power from a heavy, ominous atmosphere that burrows under your skin and keeps you on edge. It also features some of the most visceral body horror sequences I’ve ever seen—definitely not for the faint of heart.
The performances are exceptional. Bill Nighy, Ralph Ineson, Sonia Braga, and Charles Dance bring depth to this diabolical tale, but it’s Nell Tiger Free who truly carries the film. Her portrayal of Margaret is captivating and layered, adding emotional weight to the horror.
Composer Mark Korven’s chilling score, combined with Aaron Morton’s stunning cinematography, recreates the sinister tone of the original Omen. Hearing Jerry Goldsmith’s iconic “Ave Satani” at just the right moment is a masterstroke, sending shivers down the spine.
In conclusion, The First Omen is a stellar example of how to craft a prequel that honors its predecessor while standing firmly on its own. As Cardinal Lawrence (Bill Nighy) notes in the film, “Bringing forth the Antichrist will make people see that the threat is real.” Similarly, this film has reminded us that religious horror still has the power to terrify.
After years of mediocrity in the genre, Arkasha Stevenson has breathed new life into religious horror cinema. I look forward to following her career and hope her work inspires a resurgence in this often-overlooked subgenre.
Title: The First Omen
Release date: April 03, 2024
Runtime: 2h
Genre: Horror
Country: United States
Director: Arkasha Stevenson
Writers: Tim Smith, Arkasha Stevenson, Keith Thomas
Stars: Nell Tiger Free, Bill Nighy, Ralph Ineson, Sonia Braga
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