The First Omen: A Chilling Return to Supernatural Horror

**Directed by:** Arkasha Stevenson  

**Starring:** Nell Tiger Free, Bill Nighy, Ralph Ineson, Sonia Braga

**Rating:** ★★★★☆

"The miracle of life can be a messy business," a line from “The First Omen,” perfectly encapsulates the chilling and unsettling journey that this prequel to Richard Donner’s 1976 horror classic, "The Omen," takes us on. Directed by Arkasha Stevenson, this film is a masterful dive back into the sinister world of supernatural Catholic horror, blending the vintage aesthetic of '70s horror with contemporary thematic relevance.

Plot Summary:

In “The First Omen,” we follow Margaret Daino (Nell Tiger Free), a young American novitiate who arrives in Rome to work at an orphanage before taking her vows. Margaret's journey is reminiscent of a wide-eyed dancer stepping into the haunting world of "Suspiria," filled with excitement and innocence. 

However, her path soon darkens as she encounters eerie occurrences and unsettling characters, including the troubled orphan Carlita (Nicole Sorace) and the intimidating Sister Silva (Sonia Braga). As Margaret bonds with Carlita, she finds herself embroiled in a bone-chilling conspiracy that gradually unveils the sinister birth of the Antichrist, linking back to the ominous legacy of Damien from "The Omen."

Characters and Performances:

Nell Tiger Free delivers a standout performance as Margaret, capturing her transformation from naive novitiate to a woman trapped in a nightmarish reality. Nicole Sorace's portrayal of Carlita is both vulnerable and terrifying, making her a memorable presence. The film's supporting cast, including Bill Nighy as Cardinal Lawrence and Ralph Ineson as Father Brennan, bring a depth of menace and gravitas, enhancing the film’s oppressive atmosphere.

Atmosphere and Visuals:

Stevenson’s directorial prowess is evident in the film’s meticulously crafted atmosphere. The use of earthy color palettes, reminiscent of '70s horror classics, and the immersive period production design, transport the audience to a world where every shadow hides a potential threat. Maxx Corkindale's cinematography captures the claustrophobic setting of the orphanage and the surrounding countryside with a haunting beauty. The film’s sound design, filled with the howls of wind and creaking floors, amplifies the sense of dread and unease.

Themes and Screenplay:

Stevenson's screenplay, co-written with Keith Thomas and Tim Smith, is a brilliant exploration of fear, paranoia, and religious hypocrisy. The narrative delves into the painful and political loss of bodily autonomy, drawing parallels to contemporary issues in a post-Roe v. Wade world. The film’s exploration of these themes is both timely and provocative, presenting a more serious counterpart to other recent genre films like "Immaculate."

Conclusion:

“The First Omen” is a triumph in the horror genre, skillfully blending old-school supernatural scares with modern thematic depth. Stevenson's evident scholarship of the genre shines through in her ability to manipulate our perceptions and build an escalating sense of paranoia. The film’s most shocking moments, including a birth scene that confronts the audience with the visceral horror of demonic creation, are executed with a masterful touch.

While the final act may drag slightly as it creeps towards its inevitable connection to Donner’s classic, the journey there is so captivating that any minor pacing issues are easily forgiven. "The First Omen" stands as a glorious and chilling prequel, reminding us why the story of Damien and his demonic origins remains an iconic part of horror cinema.

For fans of supernatural horror, “The First Omen” is an unmissable experience that will leave you sleeping with the lights on. It's all for you, Damien. And it’s glorious.