The First Omen Review: The Emergence of the Antichrist

In 1976, the movie world was taken by surprise with the release of "The Omen." This film tells the story of a child destined to become a sinister antichrist figure. Its captivating storyline led some to believe parts of it were actually true.

Spurred by the film's success, director Arkasha Stevenson decided to create a prequel named "The First Omen." This movie has sparked a lot of debates, but it also made people eager to learn about the origins of the antichrist.

Synopsis

Margareth Daino (Nell Tiger Free) is sent to Rome to work in an orphanage that also functions a convent. Here, she has to complete her duties before becoming a nun. On arriving, Margareth starts working and making friends with other women training to be nuns.

Working in the orphanage was enjoyable for Margareth. She liked playing with the children and was excited about becoming a nun. However, one day, something odd happened.

Margareth met Carlita (Nicole Sorace), a girl who struggled with making friends and was labeled as 'dangerous' by the senior nuns. They warned Margareth not to get too close to her. Margareth thought that it was unfair as she believed the orphanage should be a safe place for all children. She tried to connect with Carlita, but it wasn’t easy. To escape her routine, Margareth would sometimes go out after work.

Margareth went clubbing with Luz (Maria Caballero), a friend from the convent. They drank and briefly dated Paolo (Andrea Arcangeli), a local man. Margareth had so much fun that she lost track of time, waking up the next morning feeling out of control.

This made Margareth feel guilty. She sought solace in prayer and took a moment outside for fresh air. There, she was approached by a man claiming to be Father Brennan (Ralph Ineson) who bombarded her with questions about the orphanage and Carlita. He even urged Margareth to meet him in his place for answers.

Later, Margareth returned to the orphanage and found Carlita locked in a room for misbehaving children. Knowing this, Margareth tried to pick Carlita up and spent time with her. Carlita seemed to be more comfortable opening up to Margareth.

But then, Margareth heard a scream from the delivery room and found something horrifying: a claw emerging from a mother’s belly, which made her faint.

After waking up, Margareth started noticing more strange things at the orphanage. The most shocking one was when a nun committed suicide after talking to Carlita. Remembering Father Brennan's warning about the danger around Carlita, Margareth sought answers from him.

Father Brennan revealed a secret sect in the convent planning to bring the antichrist into the world. He asked Margareth to gather information on Carlita from the convent’s records. Margareth found it hard to believe but later discovered several attempts to birth the antichrist, with only Carlita and herself surviving.

Margareth learned she had been raised in America and brought back to Rome for a dark purpose. During a party, while intoxicated, she was impregnated by a demonic figure, watched by the convent staff, hoping she would bear the antichrist.

On June 6th at 6 am, Margareth was forcibly taken for a cesarean to remove the antichrist. She gave birth to twins and wanted the son, believed to be the antichrist, to perish. But she was too weak. After giving birth, the convent planned to kill her.

Carlita saved Margareth and her daughter, escaping Rome to live peacefully. Later, Father Brennan warned Margareth that the church was still searching for her and her daughter. He also revealed that her son, considered the antichrist, was adopted by an American diplomat, Robert Thorn, and named Damien, linking the story to the 1976 film "The Omen."

Horror & Discomfort

Watching this religious horror story, you’ll find many elements that unsettle you. What is usually sacred and holy turns into something truly terrifying. The loud screeches, creaking doors, and classic horror sounds are intense.

The cinematography also adds to the eerie atmosphere. It has a vintage, dark style that Arkasha Stevenson masterfully brings to life, reminiscent of the horror seen in the 1976 movie "The Omen." This prequel may not have sudden scares, but it's still creepy enough to give you a fright.

Nell Tiger Free's Performance

Nell Tiger Free might not be a widely recognized name. She’s appeared in a few movies and TV series, like in seasons 5 and 6 of "Game of Thrones." But don’t underestimate her acting skills. Her role in "The First Omen" is a key part of why the film works so well.

Nell Tiger Free convincingly portrays Margareth Daino in three distinct roles. She starts as a warm-hearted nun preparing to take her vows, becomes a nurturing 'Mother' to her child, and finally emerges as a brave woman determined to protect her little family, including Carlita.

Great Plot Twist

From the moment you meet Margareth Daino, you might think she's the one who will uncover the dark secrets of the church cult, much like Sister Irene in "The Nun." You find yourself rooting for Margareth to be the hero of the story.

However, the scriptwriter, Ben Jacoby, has a surprise in store. The story takes a sharp turn. Surprisingly, Margareth is at the heart of the antichrist's arrival. This twist, revealing Margareth’s connection to the antichrist, is brilliantly executed and leaves you stunned, especially as she discovers her own role in this movie.

A bit of extra info: this film was almost given an NC-17 rating due to its intense content. This forced the director to make edits to bring it down to an R rating. Intrigued? Watch "The First Omen" and experience the chill for yourself!