Director: Arkasha Stevenson 
Starring: Nell Tiger Free, Tawfeek Barhom, Sônia Braga, Ralph Ineson, Bill Nighy
Certificate: 15
Run Time: 119 mins

The First Omen is the prequel that no-one really asked for to Richard Donner 1976 original horror. Directed by Arkasha Stevenson in what is her debut, the film is set in Rome, 1971, amid left-wing protests. American novitiate Margaret Daino (Nell Tiger Free) arrives at the Vizzardeli Orphanage to work there, where she discovers they are trying to birth the antichrist. 

The First Omen is a surprisingly effective addition to the series with clear production values. It’s superbly directed by Stevenson, who really makes her mark on the material and it’s beautifully shot by Aaron Morton. There’s a real sense of atmosphere here, with the rioting backdrop a strong choice and some of the horror sequences are skilfully crafted. Although the film isn’t particularly scary, hats off to Stevenson for not simply relying on mechanical jump scares. Mark Korven, who composed The Witch and The Black Phone, is on top form here again and his score is full of dread but with subtle nods to Jerry Goldsmith’s Oscar-winning original. 

On the downside, the film’s a little on the long side and there are some elements of the plot that don’t quite make sense, especially having watched the film twice. 

There’s some good performances too, with Nell Tiger Free an effective lead whose character goes to hell and back. Sônia Braga is also excellent as Sister Silva, who we’re not sure whether she is slimy or sinister, or both to begin with and Maria Caballero is also a standout as Luz, Margaret’s roomate, whom together have a nun’s night off. 

That said, Bill Nighy’s performance as Cardinal Lawrence just doesn’t work. The character could have played by anyone and Nighy’s Latin is unconvincing. He’s typically a top-tier actor and I struggle to think of any other film where his performance hasn’t worked. 

Although the original is still the high bar, The First Omen is a surprisingly good  sequel. Although it has its flaws, it primarily acts as a showcase for Arkasha Stevenson as a director and I predict she’ll go onto bigger projects following her work here. 

It’s also interesting that The First Omen arrives at almost an identical time to Immaculate, with both films follow effecively the same plot. In my opinion, Immaculate is the better film and feels more fresh because it isn’t tied to a certain ending that has tie in with an existing property which diminishes the creativity somewhat. But still, The First Omen is a sound prequel that’s better than expected. 

⭐⭐⭐ (Good)