The First Omen (2024)
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An American nun in a Roman orphanage uncovers a sinister conspiracy to bring about the birth of the Antichrist.
The story
In 1971 Rome, an American novice nun named Margaret Daino arrives at the Vizzardeli Orphanage. While there, she begins to uncover a disturbing and sinister conspiracy involving the Catholic Church and the birth of the Antichrist. As she investigates the truth behind the orphanage's activities and the fate of the children within, she finds herself caught in a web of occult secrets and dangerous secrets that threaten her safety and the lives of those around her.
Full plot (contains spoilers)
In 1971 Rome, Father Brennan alerts Father Harris to an occult conspiracy, leading to Harris's death. Margaret Daino, an American novice nun, arrives at the Vizzardeli Orphanage and meets various members of the order. She bonds with a troubled orphan, Carlita, who experiences disturbing visions. Margaret eventually discovers a hidden chamber containing files on 'Scianna' babies, realizing that the Church is attempting to bring about the Antichrist. After a series of harrowing events, Margaret discovers she was secretly impregnated in a satanic ritual. Despite attempts to end the pregnancy, she gives birth to twins; the boy is identified as the Antichrist. The conspirators flee with the boy, and Margaret eventually lives in seclusion with Carlita and her daughter. Years later, it is revealed the boy is named Damien and is being raised by a diplomat's family.
- First release year
- 2024
- Runtime (minutes)
- 119
- Production countries
- United States
- Original languages
- English
- Directors
- Arkasha Stevenson
- Writers
- Tim Smith · screenplay; Arkasha Stevenson · screenplay; Keith Thomas · screenplay; Ben Jacoby · story
- Cast and characters
- Nell Tiger Free · Margaret; Tawfeek Barhom; Sônia Braga; Ralph Ineson; Bill Nighy
- Genres
- supernatural horror; mystery
- Themes
- female bodily autonomy; religious conspiracy
- Tone and mood
- gothic; disturbing
- Premise and plot tags
- prequel; nunsploitation
- Franchise connections
- The Omen
- Content notes
- body horror
- Reception
- The film received positive reviews from critics and was noted for its artful and striking direction despite its adherence to franchise rules.
- Reported review scores
- Metacritic · score: 65 · scale: 100 · review count: 33
- Awards and nominations
- Best Horror Film · Saturn Awards · 52nd · nomination; Best Actress in an International Production · Actors and Actresses Union Awards · 33rd · nomination
- Production trivia
- The film was originally intended for a streaming release on Hulu.
Film metadata comes from the open sources listed in Credits & Contact. Catalogue details may be incomplete.
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