This post is part of my movie-a-day challenge in which I will watch a film every day for 365 days. Today is Day 227! You can see all the posts for this challenge HERE. To see the original Movie-a-Day Challenge post, click HERE.
Hey, friends! So, I finally saw the “2024 movie, “The First Omen” yesterday — and let me tell you, it was way better than I expected. I’m not one to watch a ton of horror films (because usually I’m disappointed), but this one really hooked me. The premise was pretty intriguing. If you know me, you know I’ve got a soft spot for chilling, edge-of-your-seat thrillers, and this one did not disappoint.
The film is basically a prequel to the iconic 1976 horror film “The Omen,” and it delves deep into the origins of the spooky little kid, Damien. We’re talking about a deep dive into his real family’s past, filled with dark secrets and sinister plots, which kinda makes you think twice about the whole nature versus nurture debate.
So, here’s the deal: This time, we’re following a young nun named Margaret (played by Nell Tiger Free – you might recognize her from “Servant,” where she was also incredible, by the way). Margaret is basically sent to Rome by Cardinal Lawrence (Bill Nighy, always a win) to take her vows. But then, she starts to investigate some shady business at the Vatican. You know, the usual stuff – prophecies, mysterious deaths, and whispers of an ancient evil being born. Typical Vatican problems.
As Margaret digs deeper, she starts to question everything she believes in. And let me tell you, the tension builds up beautifully. It’s not just cheap jump scares (though there are a few good ones, I won’t lie). It’s the atmosphere, the eerie music, and the sense that something really bad is about to go down.
Nell Tiger Free totally nails the role of Margaret. She’s innocent and devout, but also fiercely determined to uncover the truth. Her transformation as the story unfolds is absolutely mesmerizing. And the supporting cast is great too, especially Bill Nighy as the enigmatic Cardinal.
The film has a lot to say about faith, doubt, and the nature of evil. It raises some interesting questions about what it means to be good or evil, and whether those lines are always clear-cut.
I’m not going to spoil too much, but the atmosphere was totally unnerving. There were these unsettling little hints of something wrong, and the whole thing just built up to this really satisfying (and kind of gory) climax. The movie was really well-paced, so you never quite knew what was going to happen next. Honestly, I kept jumping at every little creak in my condo. You know? Oh, just me? Okay, fine. I’m a big scaredy-cat!
So, if you’re into horror movies with a touch of mystery and a dash of religious intrigue (and you loved the original Omen franchise), then you definitely need to check out “The First Omen.” Arkasha Stevenson has done a remarkable job with this prequel, maintaining the creepy vibe of the original while giving it a fresh twist.
It’s definitely a must-watch for horror enthusiasts looking for a good scare with a side of intriguing backstory. It’s a worthy addition to the “Omen” franchise, and a creepy good time all around.
Later, gators 🐊
Roger