The First Omen

Story: When Margaret (Nell Tiger Free), a young American woman is sent to Rome to take her vows as a nun, her faith in the church is questioned on discovering a horrific conspiracy.

Review: Deemed Antichrist and son of the devil, how did Damien Thorn, the primary antagonist of The Omen franchise come into being? A prequel to The Omen (1976), and sixth film in The Omen franchise, Arkasha Stevenson’s origin tale works as a refreshing reboot. What strikes you the most about this prequel is its non-conformist approach to horror movie making.

The unhurried storytelling doesn’t succumb to the usual tropes and doesn’t rely on the sole intent to be scary. The film unfolds like a slow burn mystery as it follows Margaret’s terrifying self-discovery, stemming from the blatant gaslighting and loss of faith. What happens when custodians of faith become its assailants? The damage is more internal here, and if you expect this to be as commercially spooky as The Nun (2018), you might find it dreary, ineffective and stretched out.

To repeat, the First Omen is not your typical horror film, which works if you are open to a mature take on fear that goes beyond the usual jump scares. Expect deafening silences, creepy nights, ambiguous characters, haunted orphanages but also a story that courageously says, secularism is the biggest enemy of the radicals. It takes away their power to control. ‘You are told you are not normal if you refuse to do what they want you to do.’ The writing signifies a deeper understanding of people and religious fundamentalism.

Set in the early 70’s, the film’s female gaze, cinematography, and outstanding retro music right from the opening credits are striking. The treatment is unusual and none of the supernatural torture you witness feels exploitative, a rare for this genre. The female protagonist is powerful and empathetic as she fights the demons (social and otherwise). Her plea for help towards the end feels personal. The camera work deserves special mention for making Rome look terrifyingly isolated at night. You would think twice before venturing into the lonely dark alleys you witness.

Performances defy the popular opinion that horror films largely feature B grade talent. Actors as solid as Bill Nighy play significant roles here. However, it is lead actress Nell Tiger Free who holds it all together with her fierce and curious presence. Ralph Ineson and Maria Caballero are equally effective in their supporting roles.

The First Omen is not your conventional surface-level thriller solely designed to evoke cheap thrills. If your idea of fear is not frivolous, you will enjoy it.