By: Lana K. Wilson-Combs
"The First Omen," directed and written by
Arkasha Stevenson (TV's “Brand New Cherry Flavor"), is the prequel to
Richard Donner's 1976 classic film "The Omen," which starred
Gregory Peck and Lee Remick.
Set in 1971, this eerie horror flick adds depth to the "Omen" franchise.
Nell Tiger Free (TV's "Servant") portrays Margaret Daino, a kind, American woman recruited to work at an orphanage in Rome as she prepares to become a nun. The orphanage is run by the stern Sister Silva (Sonia Braga, "Shotgun Wedding").
Cardinal Lawrence (the talented Bill Nighy, "The Beautiful Game" and "Living") has known Margaret for years and has always been a kind and trusting man. But can he be trusted now?
The plot thickens when priests Father Brennan (Ralph Ineson, "The Creator") and Father Harris (Charles Dance, TV's "Rise of Empires: Ottoman") investigate a mysterious photograph that may be linked to a conspiracy within the Catholic Church.
Margaret's encounter with disturbed teen Carlita (Nicole Sorace, TV’s "Summer Limited Edition") leads her to uncover something more sinister. As they grow closer, Carlita's odd, scribbled drawings reveal a dark secret.
Nun-in-training Luz Velez (a spunky Maria Caballero, "The Longest Night") encourages Margaret to explore life beyond the convent. Amidst the strange occurrences, Margaret connects the dots and realizes that Carlita and several clergy members are hiding something. She begins to question her faith and vows to uncover the truth.
"The First Omen" offers stylish and nail-biting thrills. Director Arkasha Stevenson creates a haunting environment. The talented cast, including Nell Tiger Free, Bill Nighy, Ralph Ineson, and Maria Caballero, also deliver.
While it didn’t keep me up at night, "The First Omen" lingered in my mind for days. Whether it finds success at the weekend box office remains to be seen, but the movie is a promising and welcome addition to the horror genre.
Editor's Note: Be sure to catch my N2Entertainment.net movie talk segment on the Kitty O'Neal Show Fridays now at 5:17 p.m. and 6:47 p.m. on radio station KFBK 93.1 FM and 1530 AM.
Look At This Trailer For
"THE FIRST OMEN"
Lana K. Wilson-Combs is a member of the Broadcast Film Critics Association (BFCA), The American Film Institute (AFI), and a Nominating Committee Voting Member for the NAACP Image Awards.
