The First Omen

 

The First Omen is a thrilling spectacle from start to finish. It delivers exactly what you'd hope for in a modern prequel to a classic horror franchise, offering a gripping narrative that horror fans can sink their teeth into. The story follows Maggie, a young American postulant sent to Rome to begin her novitiate. But things quickly take a sinister turn when she befriends Carlita, a mysterious girl at a local orphanage. Maggie soon becomes entangled in a series of creepy events and strange encounters, uncovering a dark conspiracy tied to the birthing of the Antichrist.

While some of its plot points might leave you scratching your head or even questioning certain character motivations, The First Omen is still a wildly fun ride for fans of the genre. The film builds plenty of creepy atmosphere and delivers tension-filled moments without relying on cheap jump scares. It’s refreshing to see that the same recycled sound effects weren’t used to telegraph every scare, and the imagery and effects seemed up to par, for the most part.

One of the film’s standout qualities is its boldness. Instead of falling into the trap of being a soft reboot or sequel lazily riding on the original’s name, it takes a brave approach to expand the lore while respecting the legacy of the original series. Unlike so many modern franchise entries, The First Omen doesn’t stomp all over the established mythology to do its own thing. The inclusion of returning characters like Father Brennan and thoughtful nods to the original lore tie everything together beautifully, showing respect for fans who cherish the classic Omen films.

That said, it’s not perfect. Some narrative choices feel a bit forced, and the motivations of certain characters could have used more depth. But the filmmakers’ dedication to creating a genuinely creepy and tense experience makes up for those shortcomings.

Overall, The First Omen is a strong addition to the franchise and a welcome return to form for fans of the series. It’s not groundbreaking, but it’s wildly enjoyable and crafted with care. Just don’t expect me to step back into a church anytime soon after watching this one. And for safety’s sake, maybe keep your red vines crossed while watching this too… you never know.