Praise be – religious horror is experiencing a moment in cinema right now. Imposing churches, terrifying nuns clicking their rosaries, and biblical demons are filling theatres and audiences are enjoying the holy hell in droves. Hot on the heels of 2023's The Exorcist Believer and Sydney Sweeney's smash hit Immaculate, The First Omen is the latest in a long line of divine horrors set to disturb cinemagoers.
Adding to the hit-and-miss franchise that is The Omen, Arkasha Stevenson's prequel takes us back to 1971 when American novitiate Margaret Daino (Nell Tiger Free) arrives at the Vizzardeli Orphanage to take her vows. There, she is reunited with Cardinal Lawrence (Bill Nighy), who cared for her during her troubled childhood, and she bonds with her fellow nuns including her roommate Luz (Maria Caballero). Margaret strikes up a relationship with orphan Carlita Scianna, who is plagued by auditory and visual hallucinations just like she was as a child. As Carlita's condition worsens, Margaret starts experiencing the same sinister visions and uncovers a dark secret behind the church with the help of ex-communicated priest Father Brennan (Ralph Ineson).
The First Omen has something for every horror fan – elements of gothic horror in its brooding atmosphere, supernatural scares as spectres seem to lurk in every corner, and body horror galore in its commentary on female body autonomy and reproductive rights. Corrupted nuns, forgotten rites, and the worship of the antichrist take us right back to classic 70s horror. At the same time, much of its brutal messaging and execution of terror feels postmodern in its approach. Though a mixed bag, this array of tastes and references brings something fresh to the franchise which has long since been considered dead in the ground.
With nods to everything from The Exorcist to The Possession and plenty of homages to the original film, The First Omen wears its references on its sleeve while carving out a legacy of its own with some sequences sure to evoke sheer terror in audiences, and a third act that reaches nail-biting heights of anxiety. While its messaging on bodily autonomy can sometimes become muddled – especially when compared to Immaculate's polished delivery of the same themes – Stevenson knows how to harness fear and tension and the film's final climactic scenes produce some of horror's most hauntingly beautiful yet stomach-churning imagery of the past decade.
What carries the complex, harrowing narrative is the exquisite acting of leading lady Nell Tiger Free, who can switch from a caring, nurturing mother figure to a snarling, convulsing beast in a matter of moments – and she remains captivating throughout. Carlita actress Nicole Sorace is a similar shining star among the ensemble cast, sure to have a bright future in the world of cinema following her powerful performance as the mistreated teen. Ineson and Nighy cement their status as revered actors in the polar opposite roles of Father Brennan and Cardinal Lawrence, showcasing both the evils and the positives of the Catholic Church.
As the sixth film in an iconic franchise, The First Omen balances both the weight of the existing legacy with the pressure of creating something fresh and innovative for modern audiences. Packed full of sumptuous cinematography, nightmare-inducing imagery, and stellar performances, The First Omen is a religious experience horror fans won't forget in a hurry.
The First Omen was released in UK cinemas on April 5.
