The First Omen

genuinely unsettling, one of the very very few horror films that gave me a deep primal unease. I personally think the scene showing the evil was unnecessary and cheesy, but aside from that little detail, new favorite religion themed movie!

Very good movie i like it 👍😉

When a film dares to revisit the roots of an iconic work like “The Omen” (1976), skepticism is inevitable. After all, how can you expand on such a legendary universe without betraying its essence? Fortunately, Arkasha Stevenson, in her feature directorial debut, proves it’s possible to not only honor the legacy of a classic but also reinvent it with a fresh narrative and visual approach that makes it a must-watch for fans of the genre. With “The First Omen”, we’re taken on a journey into Damien’s past as the Antichrist, in a story that’s as terrifying as it is thought-provoking, striking that rare balance between nostalgia and innovation.

The plot introduces us to Margaret Daino (played with gripping intensity by Nell Tiger Free), a young American novice who arrives in Rome to work at an orphanage before taking her final vows. Margaret is the perfect protagonist for this story: innocent yet restless, carrying a troubled past that resonates in her interactions with Carlita (Nicole Sorace), a young orphan who becomes the center of her attention. Their relationship, layered with affection and tension, is just one of the many threads the screenplay weaves so skillfully. Margaret’s interactions with other characters—ranging from the formidable Sister Silva (Sonia Braga) to the enigmatic Father Brennan (Ralph Ineson)—help build an atmosphere brimming with secrets and distrust.

While the original film centered on Damien, here the focus shifts to Margaret and her journey in a world where faith, repression, and the supernatural collide in terrifying ways. The screenplay, co-written by Stevenson, Keith Thomas, and Tim Smith, doesn’t just revisit the core themes of the first Omen; it expands on them, weaving in subtle but powerful critiques of religious hypocrisy and control over women’s bodies. These timely commentaries blend organically into the story, particularly in one of the film’s most harrowing sequences: a birth scene that merges visceral horror with devastating symbolism.

Visually, “The First Omen” is a feast. The production design nails the 1970s aesthetic, immersing the audience in earthy tones and unsettling shadows that echo the original’s grim atmosphere. Stevenson’s camerawork is particularly effective, guiding the audience through labyrinthine hallways and oppressive settings that heighten the growing paranoia. Every frame seems calculated to disorient and provoke, perfectly aligning with the film’s central theme of uncertainty.

Another standout element is the score, which echoes the operatic grandeur of Jerry Goldsmith’s original while introducing a more modern and subtle edge. The moments of silence are just as impactful as the orchestrated crescendos, creating a dynamic contrast that amplifies the emotional tension. The sound design is equally remarkable, with ambient noises expertly used to reinforce the ever-present sense of dread.

The performances take the production to the next level. Nell Tiger Free is a revelation, infusing Margaret with vulnerability and strength, avoiding the pitfall of becoming a passive figure. Sonia Braga and Ralph Ineson bring gravitas to their respective religious roles, while Maria Caballero steals the spotlight as Luz, a bold and rebellious novice who challenges both Margaret and audience expectations.

If there’s a flaw in “The First Omen”, it lies in the pacing of the third act, which stumbles slightly as it tries to align its events with the beginning of the original film. Even so, the emotional and visual impact is so strong that these minor narrative hiccups don’t detract from the overall experience. Stevenson is clearly passionate about the material and demonstrates a deep understanding of the genre, delivering scares that go beyond surface-level frights and provoke lingering reflections.

Overall, “The First Omen” isn’t just a prequel that does justice to the franchise; it’s also a standalone piece that shines in today’s horror landscape. Like Richard Donner’s classic, it haunts viewers not just with its explicit horrors but also with the disturbing questions it raises about faith, morality, and destiny. While paying homage to the past, it firmly establishes itself in the present as one of the genre’s standout offerings in recent years. A true cinematic offering.

Stays true to the original omens. Classy styling.

When you respect a franchise with great affection, you can do masterful things like this. Arkasha Stevenson's film debut couldn't be better. Classic religious horror, but not outdated at all, with a solid plot, excellent cinematography and some extremely disturbing scenes that keep the viewer uncomfortable but without blinking. And what can we say about a Nell Tiger Free who has a very high score, in a genre in which she evidently performs with great ease. The film, although not perfect, adds quality to the saga, unlike other recent films in other franchises that disrespect the original material.

Went in to this with little expectations and not much knowledge of the originals. Was pleasantly surprised by the overall quality, performances and fun of the film and ended up having a great time watching!

Nell Tiger Free is excellent in this movie. She plays confusion and ànguish drawing you further into the story. The tone of the movie is perfect and links well directly to the original movie. There are some homages to the original movie that do feel a little unnecessary, but this does not detract overall.
I really enjoyed this film as a fan of the original and will recommend it as an extension to the original narrative and story. Go see it.

Rated a Connor 10, normal 7.7

The First Omen" is a chilling and atmospheric horror film that effectively pays homage to the original while presenting a fresh and unsettling perspective, with standout performances and direction that will leave viewers on edge.

The First Omen is a prequel to the Omen Franchise which started with The Omen in 1976. The film's atmospheric tension, creepy moments, and effective storytelling makes is a worthwhile horror flick. The film's highlight is its unique approach to horror, recalling the best elements of the 1976 original without feeling derivative. Director Arkasha Stevenson's debut film impresses with its confident direction and storytelling, featuring a standout performance by Nell Tiger Free. She literally has given a performance to remember.The film's slow pace can irritate a few viewers, as well as the unexpected ending tying it to the original of 1976 can be questionable, but overall, the film shines in its ability to evoke a haunting atmosphere and deliver scares without relying on cheap jump scares or gimmicks. A worthy prequel.

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