The First Omen: A Surprisingly Good Addition to the Omen Franchise

Discover a surprisingly good addition to the Omen franchise with The First Omen. This prequel explores the story of an American couple who uncover a sinister plan orchestrated by a demonic faction within the Catholic Church. With its incorporation of societal issues and visually striking fear-inducing moments, this film successfully captures the essence of horror. Don’t miss out on this engaging and memorable experience for horror enthusiasts.

The First Omen: A Surprisingly Good Addition to the Omen Franchise

Discover a surprisingly good addition to the Omen franchise with The First Omen. This prequel explores the story of an American couple who uncover a sinister plan orchestrated by a demonic faction within the Catholic Church. With its incorporation of societal issues and visually striking fear-inducing moments, this film successfully captures the essence of horror. Don’t miss out on this engaging and memorable experience for horror enthusiasts.

( Credit to: Vulture )

The First Omen: Incorporating Societal Issues into a Genre Tale

The First Omen, directed by Arkasha Stevenson and written by herself, Keith Thomas, and Tim Smith, cleverly incorporates societal events into its genre tale of sinister happenings within cloistered walls. Set in 1971 Rome, the city is in turmoil with protests raging throughout. As young novitiate Margaret Daino, played by Nell Tiger Free, questions her mentor, Cardinal Lawrence (Bill Nighy), about the unrest, he explains that it stems from workers’ rights issues and a rejection of authority, with the Church being one of the institutions losing the trust and faith of the younger generation.

The film skillfully juxtaposes the chaos in the streets with the turmoil within Margaret’s mind. Plagued by ghastly visions, Margaret becomes fascinated by Carlita Skianna (Nicole Sorace), a troubled girl at the orphanage where she serves. Carlita’s isolation and peculiar behavior resonate with Margaret, who attempts to form a connection with her. However, when a rogue priest (Ralph Ineson) warns Margaret that Carlita may be marked with the sign of the Beast and bred by the Church to give birth to the Anti-Christ, she initially denies the truth. The audience, having witnessed the priest receiving this information in a gruesome opening scene, knows otherwise.

The First Omen: Immersive Horror Experience

Admittedly, The First Omen presents a rather ridiculous story that may leave viewers with more questions than answers. As it seeks to tie into the existing Omen franchise while setting up its own sequel, some logical gaps may arise. Nevertheless, director Arkasha Stevenson understands that horror aficionados prioritize style and mood over strict logic. The film immerses audiences in a visually stunning and unsettling experience, with textured and shocking images that tap into visceral fears. From black veils obscuring agonized faces to monstrous figures lurking behind closed curtains, The First Omen embraces the essence of horror.

Both Immaculate and The First Omen draw inspiration from Italian horror and giallo, incorporating musical, visual, and atmospheric elements from these genres. The performances in these films are intentionally heightened, encouraging actors to go wide-eyed and loud. Despite their occasional silliness, these movies serve as expressive and expressionistic dream journeys. While they offer momentary scares, their true strength lies in evoking a lasting sense of terror, prioritizing atmosphere and character development over strict adherence to logic.

The First Omen: A Commendable Addition to the Omen Franchise

In conclusion, The First Omen surprises audiences as a commendable addition to the Omen franchise. With its incorporation of societal issues and its visually striking and fear-inducing moments, the film successfully captures the essence of horror. While it may not answer all questions or adhere strictly to logic, it delivers an engaging and memorable experience for horror enthusiasts.