When I first saw the movie that started it all, that parting image of Damien delivering a fourth wall breaking smile was spine-tingling. Anyone who knows that film well understands the spirit locked within has a plan. And when he becomes an adult, that vessel can do nasty things. I was a fan of Patrick Troughton (Doctor Who) and the character he played knew a lot about what’s going on. Unfortunately, time on screen to prevent the unholy from gaining a foothold got cut short.
With this film, Ralph Ineson takes over the role of Father Brennan. Despite voicing his concerns to a fellow priest, he doesn’t have enough support to put a stop to what’s soon to transpire! The setup then changes to introduce Margaret Daino (Nell Tiger Free) who has come to Rome, Italy to become a nun. But when she experiences strange things during her initiation, what she discovers may well even challenge her devotion!
The symbology used here is simple enough. As for how it links to the past films, no prior knowledge is really needed. The last moments set up a desire for me to watch The Omen again. Hopefully Ineson will continue playing the character going forward before he gets killed in the 1976 movie. It seems this character knows a lot more than audiences take for granted.
Visually, all the closeups really add to the isolation Margaret must feel as she discovers the truth. She is like Scully (from The X-Files). Similarly, what’s planned for her is just as deadly and the big question posed here is if she’ll challenge the forces behind the scenes, which allows for the other films to flit in and out of the narrative, instead of leading up to the original movie.
The First Omen is very good at fitting into what’s already known. But sadly, it’s missing some of that spiritual gravitas that defined the trilogy (I’m ignoring all the films made many years later). I think of this film as another work that fits in the nun horror genre, and as for that twist ending, it makes me wonder how many rulers may co-exist whenever Hell on Earth arrives?
This film, helmed by newcomer Arkasha Stevenson, may well be borrowing from Rosemary’s Baby, and at long last, it goes further than the shock ending from that movie. And as for the future of the franchise, I hope there is another challenger who wants the throne. As long as the three main films don’t get retconned too much, I’m hoping there’s more story to come!
4 Stars out of 5
The First Omen Movie Trailer
