The First Omen is by far the best horror film of the year so far and takes the genre back to classic horror.
A woman (Nell Tiger Free) starts to question her faith when she uncovers a terrifying conspiracy to bring about the birth of evil incarnate in Rome.
The Omen series is captivating because it manages to make you feel uneasy and afraid without relying on jump scares. The same techniques were used for this film, creating a haunting story through the film’s atmosphere. The story takes place in a European monastery, which hides many secrets behind its beautiful tapestries and art. The First Omen uses the setting to create scares, hiding things behind shadows at night to prey on our fear of the unknown and what lurks in the dark.
Even in daylight, the muted colors and extreme actions show that the Evil One doesn’t care about the time of day. The addition of haunting music, with grandiose instruments blaring after a build-up of creepy undertones, adds another layer of chilling suspense. These aspects are some of my favorites in the horror genre because they do so much without feeling forced or overdone.
In this setting, there are amazing characters and a story to be played out. The cast’s acting is fantastic, bringing terror and shock to the screen with the indescribable actions being taken. Sônia Braga’s performance as a nun is chilling and intense, with very little warmth, foreshadowing what she will serve in this role. Ralph Ineson’s character is great for this world, intense and on edge, raising questions about what purpose he serves. Finally, Nell Tiger Free is the star of the show, unleashing fantastic displays of pure horror as she undertakes the group’s trials. Although her screaming and dramatic persona are impressive skills, there are other physical aspects that she needs to master to effectively convey the necessary actions. Her performance is authentic and unfiltered, which greatly enhances the credibility of the overall performance.
The performances in Hollywood movies that involve the portrayal of dark arts are often complemented by stellar makeup, which is applied flawlessly to bring out the negative effects that such arts bring. The application of makeup is done so well that it unleashes a great deal of terror and pain that the filmmakers intended to convey. All of this is presented within a respectable story that pays homage to the original movie and is kept in line with most details that the original films had. Director Arkasha Stevenson and her team have paid close attention to detail in their design, not only getting the presentation right but also creating a great story that respects the original plot well.
Although it may not be flawless, I appreciate the director’s attempts to capture the essence and mythology of the Omen, even with the introduction of new angles designed for future sequels. This is what made watching the movie such a memorable experience for me, and why I was pleasantly surprised by its quality.
Overall, The First Omen doesn’t try to reinvent the wheel and instead builds upon what made the original movie great. Arkasha Stevenson has done a great job of paying homage to the original while also creating a fresh feel to the story. The acting is also superb, making the movie feel both old and new at the same time. However, it’s not without its flaws. Some of the scare tactics and storyline feel a bit too safe and don’t deliver many unique scares. There are similarities to another movie in proximity. Nevertheless, The First Omen is still a step up from other remakes and is worth watching if you have the chance. It is indeed a must-see in theaters.
The First Omen is now playing theaters.
What did you think of the film? Let us know in the comments below
