The First Omen is a 2024 American supernatural horror film directed by Arkasha Stevenson, and the cast includes Nell Tiger Free, Tawfeek Barhom, Sônia Braga, Ralph Ineson, and Bill Nighy.
Set in Rome, the film follows Margaret, a young woman on the brink of becoming a nun, who unwittingly becomes entangled in a sinister plot orchestrated by a clandestine sect of the Catholic Church.
As Margaret delves deeper into the secrets of the church, she discovers shocking revelations about her own past and her connection to the Antichrist.
Unlike other prequels that feel like mere cash grabs, the film added new layers, offering a backstory that feels both earned and relevant.
The film doesn't shy away from exploring the complex motivations of its characters, painting a nuanced portrait of extremism without demonizing organized religion as a whole.
The horror elements are well crafted, avoiding cheap jump scares in favor of a more psychological approach, the film haunts you with its graphic imagery and disturbing sequences, and Margaret's journey from innocence to darkness was excellent to watch unfold.
Nell Tiger Free is just brilliant as Margaret, and she effortlessly captures the essence of her character's journey, and her nuanced performance effectively communicates the sense of dread, tragedy, and horror that Margaret experiences, and this allows you to deeply empathize with Margaret's struggles, intensifying the emotional impact of the story's crucial moments.
The ending to the film I really liked too, and a sequel to the prequel (Hey, that rhymed), will most definitely be released at some point.
Director Arkasha Stevenson also demonstrated a keen understanding of the original film's tone and atmosphere, and delivered a prequel that honors its legacy while offering fresh insights.
On the downside, the film occasionally suffers from pacing issues, but isn't anything too major.
This prequel is a welcome addition to the Omen franchise, and while I wasn't expecting much, I am happy to say it delivered and look forward to see what happens next with the franchise.
I have seen it being compared to Immaculate, but The First Omen is much better it has to be said. (And so is Heretic)
While the film does stand on its own merits, I would personally recommend watching the original Omen first to fully appreciate its connections and nuances.
I would rate this film 73% on my horror movie nerd-o-meter.
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