Summary
-
The First Omen
registers 77% on the Tomatometer, at the time of this writing, and is within eight percentage points of the original film’s Rotten Tomatoes score. -
The Omen
(1976) currently boasts 85% on the Tomatometer against 52 reviews. - Most critics praise
The First Omen
in their reviews, but the film only made $725,000 during its Thursday previews.
Warning! Contains minor SPOILERS for The First Omen.
77% is arguably not bad at all for a modern-day movie that’s trying to live up to an iconic horror flick like The Omen (1976). At the time of this writing, that’s the number The First Omen is registering on the Tomatometer. Meanwhile, the Gregory Peck-led classic boasts an 85% on Rotten Tomatoes against 52 reviews. In fact, Peck himself appears in the film courtesy of an old photograph featuring his character, Robert Thorn, near the movie’s conclusion.
The First Omen
3/5
- Release Date
- April 5, 2024
- Director
- Arkasha Stevenson
- Runtime
- 2h
- Studio
- Kiwii, Phantom Four Films
Since it’s the first day of theatrical release for Stevenson’s horror prequel, there isn’t a Rotten Tomatoes audience score nor a CinemaScore available yet to reveal what fans think of the latest entry in The Omen franchise. However, the majority of critics are enjoying the movie. MovieWeb’s own Will Sayre wrote:
With a handful of stellar performers on hand,
The First Omen
refuses to be pushed to the side as just another forgettable franchise entry. It makes its mark, despite some predictable twists and turns, and might just make today’s legendary horror masters proud […] This is the real deal.
Meanwhile, Michael Phillips of the Chicago Tribune says that the film is, “Full of splurchy callbacks to various hangings, impalings and characters from the Richard Donner hit but with a visual confidence and personality of its own.”
Michael Gingold of Rue Morgue Magazine adds:
The First Omen is well-crafted and well-acted and better than one might have expected, yet fans of the first Omen may find that this prequel’s book of genesis doesn’t have quite enough in the way of revelations.
The First Omen Impresses the Majority of Critics
Arkasha Stevenson wants to join The Exorcist franchise, but there’s still the little matter of how her prequel to The Omen will be received. While audiences haven’t had their opportunity to chime in yet, at least with ratings, The First Omen didn’t even break the million-dollar mark during its Thursday previews. Unfortunately, the horror prequel only amassed $725,000 domestically. Nonetheless, the majority of critics are enjoying the story behind the origin of the Anti-Christ, Damien, and his mother — whose identity won’t be spoiled here. Tomris Laffly of RogerEbert.com writes:
The whole thing is so provocative, beautifully cinematic and in touch with its head-decapitating roots.
Meagan Navarro of Bloody Disgusting adds, “Arkasha Stevenson doesn’t just helm a prequel worthy of Richard Donner’s classic but establishes herself as a bold new voice in horror.”
4:42
Nell Tiger Free on Her Love for Horror and The First Omen: ‘It’s a Bit Surreal’
The rising English star spoke to MovieWeb about how her hit series Servant helped prepare her for the lead role in the new Omen installment.
Finally, the delightful Mary Beth McAndrews of Dread Central calls it “the perfect religious horror film” and says succinctly:
The First Omen is an upsetting and necessary tale about abuse in the Church, bodily autonomy, and spitting in the face of God.
The First Omen is now playing exclusively in theaters. And for those who haven’t seen the horror prequel yet, you can watch the film’s trailer below to whet your appetite:
