Plot
The First Omen is a prequel to the 1976 movie The Omen. Written by Tim Smith, Arkasha Stevenson, and Keith Thomas, Produced by David S. Goyer and Keith Levine, and Directed by Arkasha Stevenson. Starring Nell Tiger Free, Tawfeek Barhom, Sônia Braga, Ralph Ineson, and Bill Nighy. The story follows young, American novitiate Margaret Daino as she prepares to take her vows to become a nun. She is placed at the Vizzardeli Orphanage in Rome in 1971. Shortly after her arrival she notices the strange behavior of one of the girls, Carlita, and suspects abuse toward her from the nuns.
She is later approached by Father Brennan, who explains the church is losing power and is desperate to gain it back. So desperate, in fact, that they are plotting to bring about the birth of the Antichrist. Those who have watched The Omen, either the 1976 original or the 2006 remake, know that this plot does go forward.
This movie follows Margaret as she attempts to discover the truth and protect Carlita, at first from suspected abuse, later assuming she is the intended mother for the plot. As the film progresses, Margaret appears to fall deeper and deeper in paranoia and insanity. Visions she hasn’t experienced since childhood start to plague her.
The true plot is discovered when Margaret seeks refuge with Father Brennan and the pair attempt to stop it. The fact that this is a prequel means in can only end one way: the plan goes through and the antichrist is born.
My Thoughts
I had only previously seen the 2006 remake. I enjoyed it. As far as prequels go, this is a good one. I found the acting believable and the story entertaining. The movie likely won’t be winning any awards, if it’s even nominated for any, but it is a good watch. It doesn’t rely on jump scares, which so many horror movies do.
What I like is that the movie doesn’t spoon feed you the story line and how all of the events connect. Each experience Margaret has from the moment she arrives in Rome ultimately connects to the plot of the church. Questions are answered but not in such great detail as to ruin the immersion.
Will I watch it again? I wouldn’t go out of my way to, but if it’s on I wouldn’t turn it off.
Alicia Coast 