The First Omen

If you take into account that we don't need another Omen movie and Immaculate already did all of this better and without the need for a franchise, it's kind of okay and it's well directed. But it is rubbish.

This is a heartfelt, angry film whose exploitation genre beats can’t conceal a core of real hurt, betrayal, accusation, and maybe even—in the suggestion of sisterhood and resistance—hope.

It’s a decent attempt from director Arkasha Stevenson to tap into the look and the spirit of the original film. And while it doesn’t match The Omen for scares, it does deliver some skin-crawlingly creepy moments.

If you ever wanted to spoil an omen with an omen beforehand, it should get you converted for a couple of hours.

While certain elements do work better than others, this happily remains a marvelously inventive religious horror tale that offers up enough creative twists and turns to never feel like a nostalgia-laced retread.

As for the graphic birth scenes, let’s just say that one of these is definitely not born every minute. This is Call the Midwife directed by Satan.

A unique perspective and a fresh take on well-worn tropes.

It’s a smart, crafty, and artfully made horror film that doesn’t rely on cheap jump scares or tired gimmicks. It features confident direction and storytelling topped off with a fearless Nell Tiger Free lead performance.

Arkasha Stevenson's distinctive vision for 'The Omen' franchise is better than anyone could have imagined, cementing her status as one of our best modern horror directors.

'The First Omen' doesn't always manage the tricky balance between reverence to the original and new ideas. Still, there's a lot to love, both for newcomers and returning fans.