When a horror franchise reaches its fifth or sixth entry, the creative well can begin to run dry. Sequels can become predictable, characters return from the dead with flimsy explanations, and the franchise's continuity can crumble under the weight of its own legacy. With this in mind, the announcement of The First Omen, a prequel to the 1971 classic The Omen, was met with skepticism. After four sequels, some of which were critically panned, expectations were understandably low. However, The First Omen manages to stand out, if only slightly, from the typical franchise fatigue.
Set in 1971, the film follows Margaret (Nell Tiger Free), a novice on the brink of taking her final vows as a nun. Upon arriving in Rome to visit her mentor, Cardinal Lawrence (Bill Nighy), Margaret becomes entangled in a sinister conspiracy surrounding an orphanage. The orphanage, shrouded in secrecy, houses pregnant women who are about to give birth under mysterious and possibly nefarious circumstances. Father Brennan (Ralph Ineson) introduces Margaret to a secretive faction within the church who believe they are birthing the Antichrist to scare people back into the fold. Margaret's investigation reveals disturbing truths about her own past and the true nature of her involvement.
Nell Tiger Free delivers a compelling performance as Margaret, balancing innocence with growing paranoia. Her portrayal of the character's harrowing experiences, particularly during her unsettling pregnancy and birth scenes, is notably strong. The supporting cast, including the ever-reliable Bill Nighy and Ralph Ineson, adds depth and credibility to the narrative. Nicole Horace, as the troubled orphan Carlita, and Ishtar Currie-Wilson, as the unsettling Sister Anjelica, provide memorable performances that enhance the film's eerie atmosphere.
While the film's story is ambitious, aiming to explore a darker and more convoluted origin for the Antichrist, it falls short of its potential. The plot's attempt to introduce a radical church faction seeking to birth a demon seems more bizarre than frightening. The narrative struggles to align with the established lore of the original Omen series, leading to a disjointed experience that feels more like a thriller than a genuine horror film.
The First Omen takes some stylistic cues from its predecessors, as well as other horror classics, but it often feels like a derivative homage rather than a fresh take. It draws comparisons to Rosemary's Baby with its "vessel" narrative and has moments reminiscent of Suspiria in its portrayal of a sinister cloistered environment. Despite these nods, the film's attempts at originality sometimes come off as forced, lacking the visceral impact of its influences.
On the technical front, The First Omen excels. The Blu-ray presentation, courtesy of 20th Century Studios and Disney/Buena Vista, is superb, featuring an AVC encoded 1080p transfer that captures the film's moody and sometimes unsettling color palette with impressive clarity. The DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 track enhances the atmosphere with immersive sound design, adding to the film's unsettling vibe.
The disc includes several supplements that delve into the film's production, such as "The Director's Vision" and "The Mystery of Margaret," which provide insightful behind-the-scenes looks. Also featured is "Signs of the First Omen," focusing on production and costume design. These extras, combined with a digital copy, add value to the home release.
The First Omen is a respectable effort to expand the Omen universe, but it ultimately struggles to capture the chilling essence of its predecessors. While it provides some intriguing moments and showcases strong technical aspects, its reliance on familiar tropes and convoluted plot detract from its overall impact. As a standalone film, it offers some merit, but as a prequel to the original Omen, it doesn't do the job of reviving the franchise's once-revered horror legacy.
Grade: B-
