A standout from 2024, The First Omen isn’t just a great prequel horror film; it excels as a terrifying possession story in its own right. The narrative centers on a young woman from America, portrayed by Nell Tiger Free, who journeys to Rome to begin working at a Catholic orphanage. Set against the backdrop of political turmoil in Italy during the late 1960s, she soon confronts a sinister force that severely tests her faith and exposes a disturbing plot aimed at orchestrating the arrival of the Antichrist.
Another prequel in the horror genre, Alien: Romulus, debuted in the same year and later earned the title of Best Horror Film at the 52nd Saturn Awards. Both films effectively establish unique identities before connecting back to earlier installments within their respective series.
However, unlike Romulus, which quickly incorporates a digital recreation of Ian Holm within its initial runtime, The First Omen strategically waits until the final ten minutes to reveal its ties to the 1976 original, The Omen, employing a similar visual technique. This delayed reveal, carefully executed by director Arkasha Stevenson and her writing team, ultimately enhances the payoff, making the connection feel like a well-earned reward rather than a superficial reference. The film is so compelling that fans of the Omen trilogy might even consider replacing the often-criticized third movie, The Final Conflict from 1981, with this new addition during future viewings.
Due to shared themes, the Italian settings, and their close release dates, The First Omen and Immaculate have frequently been compared as “twin films.” Each explores subjects such as female autonomy and the systematic control imposed on women’s bodies, leading to categorization within the controversial nunsploitation subgenre. While both films address similar issues, The First Omen navigates these themes with greater subtlety, especially concerning its social commentary on women and the protests in Rome during that era. It distinguishes itself as a possession horror experience that feels both familiar and remarkably original, incorporating unique elements that set it apart within the genre—serving as a guide for successfully rejuvenating a beloved franchise.
Where to watch: Available for streaming on Prime Video and available to rent or purchase on Apple TV, Fangango at Home, and other similar digital platforms.
Polygon’s Halloween Countdown is an annual 31-day showcase, presenting concise recommendations for the finest horror films, television series, episodes, and online specials to stream throughout the Halloween season. You can view the complete schedule here.