Prequel 'The First Omen' Explores Origins of Antichrist Damien

The upcoming movie prequel 'The First Omen' (2024) examines the origin story of Damien, the Antichrist from the original 1976 film 'The Omen'. Directed by Arkasha Stevenson and written by Stevenson, Keith Thomas, and Tim Smith, the film focuses on Margaret Daino, an American novitiate in Rome, amidst political and social unrest and the church's quest for control and power.

'The First Omen' serves as a prequel to the 1976 film, providing an explanation for the church's motivations in conjuring the Antichrist. The film has been praised as a "thoroughly refreshing and invigorating exercise in mainstream horror" and is already considered one of the best horror films of 2024.

The prequel follows the perspective of Margaret Daino, played by Nell Tiger Free in a star-making performance, as she traverses the intricate terrain of Rome in the early 1970s. The film also features strong performances from Ralph Ineson as Father Brennan, Sonia Braga as Sister Silva, Tawfeek Barhom as Father Gabriel, and María Caballero as Luz.

'The First Omen' successfully connects to the mythology of the original film, with a strong opening sequence and third act. However, some critics have noted pacing issues throughout the film. Despite this, the prequel provides a frightening and atmospheric exploration of the Antichrist's origins within the established 'Omen' film series.

Since its release earlier this month, 'The First Omen' has become a cult hit. Producers David S. Goyer and Keith Levine of Phantom Four, the production company behind the film, discuss the challenges of creating a prequel to a beloved franchise and their approach to staying true to the original while adding new elements. They also note that the film's theatrical release has allowed it to gain traction through word-of-mouth, rather than being lost in the sea of streaming content.

As 'The First Omen' continues to captivate audiences, it serves as an attestation to the power of well-crafted prequels and the enduring legacy of 'The Omen' franchise. With its political and thematic depth, as well as its atmospheric storytelling, the film has solidified its place as a standout horror release of 2024.

Key Takeaways

• The First Omen (2024) is a prequel to the 1976 film The Omen.
• The film focuses on the origin story of the Antichrist, Damien.
• The prequel has been praised as a "thoroughly refreshing" mainstream horror.
• The First Omen has become a cult hit since its release.
• The film's success highlights the enduring appeal of horror prequels.