First reactions to The Omen prequel say it's religious horror's answer to Star Wars' Rogue One

2024-03-27

EntertainmentMoviesHorror MoviesThe First OmenFirst reactions to The Omen prequel say it’s religious horror’s answer to Star Wars' Rogue OneWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.

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(Image credit: 20th Century Studios)

Nell Tiger Free as Margaret and Nicole Sorace as Carlita in The First Omen

As she and the girl get closer, Margaret finds herself drawn into a dark conspiracy, and uncovers terrifying truths as to why she’sreallybeen brought to Rome. Sonia Braga, Ralph Ineson, and Bill Nighy round out the supporting cast.

“I’m a big fan of Arkasha Stevenson’s THE FIRST OMEN. I truly love the first three Omen movies and I love how this one ends right at the beginning of Richard Donner’s 1976 THE OMEN. It’s the ROGUE ONE of Omen movies,“tweeted Uproxx’s Mike Ryan, whileDread Central’s Mary Beth McAndrews described itas “exquisitely repulsive” and “the religious horror [she’s] been waiting for”.

“Also 10/10 Possession homage,” she continued.

“[The First Omen] is quite effective. Pacing is a bit off in first half but it has rather unsettling and wild moments as it progresses - including one shot I am amazed made it into the movie and was so insane to see, the audience applauded,“said WeEnjoyPodcast’s Eric Goldman. “Nell Tiger Free is really great in it.”

“Did not expect much from The First Omen, but it’s a well-worthy prequel to Richard Donner’s 1976 classic. Great sound design and cinematography,“tweeted Cariety’s Jazz Tangcay. “And it’s got some bloody good scary moments.”

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“I am not being hyperbolic when I say THE FIRST OMEN is surprising. Do not dismiss seeing this film. What it does to honor its predecessors and add onto the mythos is fascinating,“added freelance critic Sarah Musnicky. “[The First Omen] lays down the path for the future and all of its possibilities.”

“I enjoyed#TheFirstOmen, which won me over in the third act. There’s one gory moment that’s gonna STICK WITH ME,“gushed ComicBook.com’s Jamie Jirak. “You don’t have to see the OG to get it, but I do wish I had revisited it first, because there are some deep connections. Nell Tiger Free is a killer lead!”

Check out some more reactions below…

#TheFirstOmen f*cks harder than I could have ever imagined. Vicious and unforgiven, Arkasha Stevenson has crafted a beautiful nightmare that will push you to your limit. Nell Tiger Free also gives one of my favorite performances of the year. pic.twitter.com/qTSAi6ubSMMarch 27, 2024

The 1976 version of The Omen had some chilling & controversial scenes, and #TheFirstOmen raises the bar. The film is a worthy prequel to the original. The First Omen is creepy, eerie, and unsettling. There’s one scene in particular that is bound to have people talking. pic.twitter.com/d2dwNZ0oSnMarch 27, 2024

The First Omen is pretty solid. Gory, intense, a nice little mystery in there too. It also weaves its way into the original in ways both expected and not. It’s a little uneven and predictable but when it hits, it hits hard. Not for the faint of heart or weak of stomach. pic.twitter.com/mPkhGs7TkRMarch 27, 2024

The First Omen releases in cinemas on April 5. For more, take a gander at our list of thebest horror moviesof all time, or our guide to the most excitingupcoming horror moviesheading our way.

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GAME REVIEWSMOVIE REVIEWSTV REVIEWS

1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension”

Nemesis board game models and tokens laid out on a board

1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension”

Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension”

2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package”

Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package”

3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure”

Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure”

4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years”

Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years”

5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths”

Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths”

1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show”

Shadow brandishes a gun in Sonic The Hedgehog 3

1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show”

Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show”

2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie”

Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie”

3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action”

Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action”

4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien”

The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien”

5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite”

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1Squid Game season 2 review: “Secures its place as one of the best shows on television right now”

Squid Game season 2

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Squid Game season 2 review: “Secures its place as one of the best shows on television right now”

2Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat”

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3Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses”

Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses”

4Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist”

Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist”

5Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands”

Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands”

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