The First Omen

The First Omen is an upcoming American supernatural horror film directed by Arkasha Stevenson, who also co-wrote the screenplay with Tim Smith and Keith Thomas. This film serves as a prequel to the classic film The Omen (1976) and is the sixth installment in The Omen franchise. It features a talented cast including Nell Tiger Free, Tawfeek Barhom, Sônia Braga, Ralph Ineson, and Bill Nighy.

The plot revolves around an American nun named Margaret Daino, who is sent to a Catholic orphanage in Rome. There, she uncovers a dark plot designed to facilitate the birth of the Antichrist. The film is set to premiere in theaters in the United States on 5 April 2024, with a runtime of 119 minutes and a production budget of $30 million.

In the film's opening sequence set in 1971 Rome, Father Brennan confronts Father Harris about a disturbing conspiracy linked to a child named Scianna. The events take a sinister turn when Father Harris is killed in a tragic accident. Following this, Margaret arrives at the Vizzardeli Orphanage during a time of political unrest, where she meets various characters including the orphanage's management and her fellow novice, Luz.

Margaret forms a close bond with Carlita, a troubled orphan who experiences disturbing visions. Father Brennan warns her that "evil things" are connected to Carlita. As the story unfolds, Margaret is drawn deeper into a web of deception and danger, with alarming events leading to revelations about Carlita's significance in a plan to return religious power amidst a rise in secularism.

In a series of shocking incidents, Margaret learns that she is part of a conspiracy orchestrated by church radicals who believe that the birth of the Antichrist is necessary to revive faith among the people. The film's climax reveals Margaret's horrifying realization of her own involvement in this dark plan.

The First Omen has garnered attention for its unique take on a classic horror story, with critics praising Stevenson’s direction and the film's production quality. As it approaches its release date, the anticipation surrounding the film continues to grow.

With strong themes of female autonomy and horror elements rooted in religious contexts, the film is expected to resonate deeply with audiences. It explores complex issues while delivering a chilling narrative that highlights the struggle between faith and fear.

The film boasts a score by Mark Korven, which is said to reference themes from previous installments in the franchise, making it both a homage and a fresh take on the story. The film is marketed widely, aiming to captivate both fans of the original and new viewers alike.

Overall, The First Omen promises to be a gripping addition to the horror genre, with a blend of psychological thrills and supernatural elements. Audiences can look forward to its theatrical release on 5 April 2024 and its subsequent digital and streaming availability later in May 2024.