The First Omen - Review

The birth of evil is explored in a surprisingly good legacy prequel to the 1976 horror classic The Omen.
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[@godspeedrebirth]

I did not for the life of me expect the First Omen to have a higher score than Monkey Man

[@jfess1911]

It is a bit surprising. The reviews of Monkey man that I have seen show that a lot of critics really didn't like the shaky-cam and that the movie dragged a bit.

[@rocky8838]

I was thinking of seeing both this weekend, but I'm going to only see this one because I'm bored of the shaky cam and the John Wick action in action movies.

[@travisspazz1624]

​@@jfess1911I watched Dan's review of Monkey Man and completely agree with it. I had a hard time following most of the action scenes!

[@jfess1911]

@@travisspazz1624 I find Dan's reviews pretty much spot-on for me. He also tends to be thorough enough that I can tell when a movie that he likes may not appeal to my taste. I had gotten to a similar place with Roger Ebert's reviews a couple of decades ago.

[@barbaradietz2955]

Cannot compare the two omg

[@Bruester]

I agree that the marketing department fumbled the rollout of this movie, but that first teaser with the footage playing in reverse set to "If I Had a Heart" is one of my favorite trailers in years

[@sparkletwi2075]

Totally agree. Once I saw that trailer I had a feeling it would be something special.

[@andreserickson6963]

Same! It was so good

[@TheJasonblackmore]

I hope they make The second Omen. Just to see what Dan does with that intro.

[@donkeydarko77]

The TWOmen

[@Amp661]

No. The first screwed things up enough

[@Reezy884]

Saw it last night with low expectations and I left the theater feeling my expectations were exceeded drastically. It was REALLY GOOD. Definitely recommend.

[@user-he3op5pi6i]

Too many long drawn out scenes w/ jumpscares Too many strange things happen that would call for a serious alarm Main character is not who you think she is Damien is not born as he should have. Somewhat Movie could have been shorter with less long drawn out scenes. Movie has an additional alternative scene that has no mention in the original Some gore birthing sequence and more gore Movie is a C+ and doesn't have the same psychological gravitas as the original Has some scenes that are call back to original done not so good Accidents happen but there is no follow up that would normally happen

[@classicarah]

I really liked it too, even though they changed the plot.

[@RockyRoyale84]

Agreed... true fans of 70's horror will love this. This is way better than Late Night with the Devil.

[@Reezy884]

@@RockyRoyale84 I hadn’t seen it yet. Is it at least worth a watch?

[@classicarah]

@@Reezy884 absolutely.

[@dominiquensouza]

Dan is basically the only person I trust to let me know what movies I should watch or not. Sometimes I feel he has to see a lot of meh movies just to filter the good stuff for us lol Gonna see it tonight!

[@mais_uma_saidiera]

Not forgetting that the superb Sonia Braga is also in this. She plays the forceful mother superior. Great review Dan

[@aisforapple25]

She played Ms. Westlake, Theo’s teacher in the Cosby Show. Lol. She’s was my favorite in the movie.

[@DwanGarcez]

She's legendary in Brazil. The eternal "Gabriela, Cravo e Canela". Pitty that Americans aren't familiar with her.

[@BishopBrown-ng2ns]

The intro made me think "Who's on first, What's on Second...." 🙂

[@leannebrown02]

Third base!

[@garrettpeck4437]

Between The First Omen and Immaculate, it seems we're in a golden age of nun horror. I notice Valek wasn't invited to the party.

[@TheKillakrip]

I liked The First Omen better. Immaculate broke my heart.😕

[@travisspazz1624]

I thought Immaculate collapses into itself in the third act.

[@DavidJohnson-cs9bw]

Late Night with the Devil is good too

[@TheKillakrip]

@DavidJohnson-cs9bw Late Night With The Devil is a breath of fresh air, especially after Immaculate.

[@jasminewilliams1673]

Sister death was pretty good too

[@PetePuebla]

The studio thought the movie would get bad reviews, so they held the embargo till release date. Sadly did they know critics would like this movie.

[@RicardoMoralesMassin]

It's like movie executives don't have eyes. They get money behind Madame Web and a genuinely good movie like this one gets no promotion.

[@musicmann1967]

Happy to hear this. I've got my ticket for Sunday. I was worried about the studio holding back screenings and reviews also. But I was also confused because everything I saw from the trailer and little clips that are floating around out there looked good to me. Looking forward to this!

[@nevskislake]

I will definitely give The First Omen a chance. Thank you, Dan! Have a great weekend.

[@jaredb7070]

It was interesting watching this right after Immaculate a few weeks ago. Very similar movies in what they are going for - nun horror involving pregnancy in Italy. But while I enjoyed Immaculate, First Omen was a much superior film. It's a bit long, but once it gets going, it doesn't let up and is honestly pretty scary. Two scenes stand out in my mind as I left the theater that I couldn't shake on the drive home - that's the good stuff! Also, the cinematography was excellent.

[@awr2217]

Hi Dan, A very well thought out and unexpected positive review. After the fiasco that is The Exorcist: Believer its great to hear that The First Omen exceeded your expectations. Satan is certainly having a terrific moment in cinema with the release of three satan themed films, Late Night With The Devil, Immaculate, and now The First Omen. Thanks

[@mrfrosty3]

I'm a big fan of the original Omen series, that era of horror is definitely my thing, they all had stellar casts too. Will go see this.

[@Amp661]

Yeah it's disappointing

[@Mstro3000yo]

Wow! Can’t believe it opened in Japan on the same day! That rarely happens… had to wait 5 months for M3GAN last year. I will go Saturday morning, thanks to your review.

[@barbaradietz2955]

And megan sucked😂

[@Anderson85328]

Dan! This was one of my favorite openers to your videos. Love your videos and reviews.

[@juicedabarber]

I'd love to see her version of William Peter Blatty's "Exorcist"

[@TheClockchan]

I can’t wait! Definitely seeing it this weekend!

[@Jackdelroy1]

I didn't expect this film to have so many good reviews. I'll definitely check it out now.

[@launchpadmcquack8142]

Would love to see you do a review of Immaculate Dan! Always appreciate your views on horror movies (and will add the First Omen to my watchlist because of this!)

[@nicolasmoyano_]

Great review!

[@BigZ7337]

This was a great review Dan, thanks.

[@LukasMoon91]

Okay, I need to see it NOW!

[@LuciferMorningstar-zu1ud]

Big fan of the OG Omen movies, hell even the remake was good. I have high expectations for this one, and looking at the praise for it makes me happy; yet I was surprised how marketing handled the promotion for this film. Can’t wait to watch it! And Monkey Man as well

[@johnscott6984]

We do have a thing for atmospheric horror - one of our early date movies was The Shining which is still a favorite - but not likely we’ll head to the theater for this one. Not surprised that Disney screwed up the marketing for this - they really don’t appear to know WHAT to do with Fox, and this is another example of the general incompetence. But it sounds like it’ll make a great double feature with the original for movie night at home.

[@josanup]

Definitely going to the theater tonight.

[@LithionR1se114]

6:50 Are you referring to the scene after the car crash before she’s brought into the underground church? Reminded me very much of the iconic subway scene in 1981’s Possession and yeah she tight-walked the line between “grotesque” and “embarrassment” there beautifully.

[@egoborder3203]

Just watched it. It's solid, I give it a 7.5/10. While it has a lot of good, it too often goes for shock instead of building up and adding depth. Still worth a watch, but not sure it's worth a trip to the theater

[@norman0179]

I think this is one of those movie that need to watch in theaters,i dont think many creepy scenes would hit the same if watch in other platform (most horror films are better to watch at theater for the big screen and loud sound i think)

[@Amp661]

I gave it a 4/10. If it wasn't related to the Omen,I'd give it a much higher score. The movie screwed things up in the franchise that people don't seem to notice and it's baffled me.

[@pesky716]

I absolutely loved Brand New Cherry Flavor on Netflix. Arkasha also produced and directed that series, and it’s also bonkers and fantastic.

[@shiftymcgee9359]

The trailer is incredible. Glad to hear a positive review.

[@bravexheart7]

I’m hearing good things about.. will have to check it out

[@NickMichalak]

I find this strange in terms of when they allowed critics to see the film as there have been TV spots out for two weeks with supposed critic quotes on them. Bear in mind, even after the embargo dropped today I still can’t find the so called reviews they took these quotes from.

[@michaeluden7131]

Great review. Youve definitely put this movie on my watch list. And earned a subscriber 👍👍

[@brandonroy7554]

Lol loved the opening bit. I think it would be funny if you had cut yourself off trying to explain what you were reviewing.

[@lcps6805]

Didnt have this movie on my radar but I have AMC stubs and will check it out now! I just saw immaculate which seems like a very similar plot. Will be interesting to compare

[@jadyngrana2576]

I can’t wait to see this!!

[@TVandManga]

I'm glad to hear this is good!

[@Aleut1]

I liked the trailer and I liked Nell in Servant, but I was worried about the review embargo being a few hours before release. Good to hear the quality is high.

[@TheBouch33]

VERY high

[@mywalkabout40]

I’m not a big horror fan, but your review has me changing my mind. Thanks Dan!

[@JohnHarris-xi9ku]

I cannot wait for it to come out on video. Loved it so much I can't wait to own it!!!

[@seanfahey3600]

Watched the original first one last night. I was thinking the same thing that directors need to create horror closer to those in the 70's and 80's. Going to have to check it out.

[@TheBouch33]

This one is a very good companion piece/prequel to the original. I think the aesthetic and the atmosphere really emulate the OG

[@ingridplaza2867]

I will say, that, although the preliminary marketing may have been mishandled, I did see the movie last night in 35 mm at a historic independent theater in my area (one of the theaters that you actually shouted out in a video). This theater typically shows classic/older movies, but they will show some select few first runs. However, (outside of Oppenheimer) the theater only shows artistic and independent movies for first runs (they currently have love lies bleeding and the first omen for first run), so, to me, that actually was a really good sign to the movie’s quality. It encouraged me to check it out last night. I really enjoyed it too! Do movies like this sell their movies to independent theaters to try and find an audience, or do the theaters ask for certain movies to be shown at their theaters? I’m ignorant to the whole process

[@AnthonyAPerez]

Top notch performances, great camera work, an eerie score, and great wardrobe. Sadly, a lot of the story felt redundant of other films like this. I was left a little underwhelmed, but appreciated the filmmaking.

[@husker4life109]

Nell Tiger Free is really good in the show Servant

[@zerazukin]

Genuinely was so glad i trusted a couple reviews saying this was cool and didn't check the trailer Its been days and im still thinking about it

[@andreserickson6963]

This movie was what I wanted Immaculate to be. I really hope it finds its footing in the next couple weeks, because it deserves it

[@onslaught011]

Thanks Dan! I would’ve never gone to see it in theatres just by my experience with shameless cash grabs in the horror genre. Definitely will check it out!

[@dougfarrell7355]

I agree with you that the performances and the atmosphere were great, but this was a mid movie for me (I liked Immaculate slightly more). For me, it was predictable almost from the jump, and the third act suffers heavily from "Yeah, I get it". Currently a mid-tier for me, but it may fall to the upper echelon of low-tier by years-end.

[@owenharrison761]

Since I saw the trailer I was already quite curious, but after this positive reception I will definitely see the movie in theaters. An almost perfect prequel/sequel that respects and enriches the original source, while being able to land its ending is pretty rare, even more so if it comes from Disney.

[@jessrl8025]

The First Omen is not my cup of tea (grew up Catholic and movies like this freak me out too much), but def gonna pass along your review to others that I know will like this movie.

[@KnarfStein]

Hell yeah! I'll be making _Immaculate_ and TFO as a double feature this weekend!

[@TheRepty818]

I expected it to be bad since I'd heard so little. Happy to hear that it's good and I'll check it out as soon as I can. I've really been using the hell out of that AMC stubs membership lately.

[@Amp661]

Yeah it sucked. Don't waste your time

[@ziawilliams-collier8684]

I saw it today and was pleasantly surprised I saw it based on Disney/20th Century’s track record with Prey and Hellraiser both being so well done. I’ve been watching reviews to see if it was a fluke or I was mistaken but no

[@Amp661]

Yeah it's a fluke. As a prequel it sucked on so many levels. As a standalone, it was ok.

[@rabbitslayer42]

Thanks to the ad campaign on youtube. I can't imagine ever wanting to watch the actual movie. 30+ times a day and sometime 2 times on the same video...WTF

[@storywala88]

Quite intrigued for this movie. Definitely seeing it this week. Except for the teaser, the marketing has let this movie down. Well put.

[@jeremystewart6271]

I wanna know how I can watch this movie and where? I'm not going to the Palace Theater to watch it either.

[@barbaradietz2955]

Great reveiw i could tell just by the comercials for it that it was going to be really good its been awhile since i have seen a good scary movie sinister was pretty creepy

[@alexmaverick6647]

Idk why they waited so long to lift the review embargo for this. It’s so good.

[@veronicamoravega7754]

I actually think they did well holding the embargo until the end, it seems they just wanted to surprise (in a good way) otherwise both trailers, posters and clips on instagram are great, i think they hope (as i do) that word of mouth will help them out and i appreciate the risk. lastly i watched the movie today, loved it, hacent seen a horro movie this good in a while i was getting tired of all the psychological horror movies and this is a nice of fresh air and a great companion to the original. watch it if you can in the cinemas! 🖤

[@BiffTummyTum]

What a brilliant review, had completely consigned First Omen to the 'catch it when it streams' department, will actively go look for it now.

[@daveomacmahon]

Just got out of seeing this movie really enjoyed it really surprised how good it was

[@radhinig5594]

After years of ‘Haunted Nun Exhaustion’ (mainly the Nun lol) I was so surprised to see both Immaculate and the First Omen actually being good at being scary films.

[@Y34RZ3R0iscoming]

I thought it was well made and acted but i dont jnow if id pop it in to the bluray when it comes out ever again.

[@crashingimpulse]

They released a 70s inspired trailer and I kinda wish that was the first trailer. I will never forgive the marketing team for fumbling this movie. 2024 is the year of GREAT horror

[@nickdorenkamp959]

0:42 a prequel to the 1976 film the Omen directed by Richard Donner. Edit: I'm looking forward to watching the first omen partly because last night I decided to watch the 2006 remake that was directed by John Moore; and man did I have a few gripes with that mainly with Julia Stiles' performance as the wife.

[@Amp661]

Dont waste your time. It screwed up Damiens origin.

[@ekuhn44]

Nell Tiger Free was phenomenal in NWR’s Too Old to Die Young

[@brandonsmith-scolaro4887]

If you could give Oscars to video game performances Ralph Ineson would have gotten one for Final Fantasy XVI he's so amazing in that game

[@tobenamed610]

It was a good movie, I’ll admit - the only reason I didn’t like it as much as I could have is because nothing flashy happened. The whole time I was waiting for the other shoe to drop, the creature to finally come out, or the demon to possess someone and show itself… but this never happened. It entirely relied on atmosphere until it came to a conclusion I really wasn’t surprised by. There’s two scenes in the whole movie that i can’t get out of my head, and they were tense and I loved them, but ultimately it came to nothing in my opinion.

[@funnyguyla]

I missed all of the gory "accidental" deaths.

[@andressinks]

I was not expecting this movie to be so great. The sound, acting really everything. They almost never make a good prequel let alone better than the original.

[@Amp661]

Ehhh it sucked as a prequel. It go so much stuff wrong. Why everyone loves it I have no idea.

[@jarrodjones6990]

the best and most surprising movie I've seen this year so far.

[@LucyLu_meztli]

I need to figure out how to keep medium to low expectations for horror movies, then I can be pleasantly surprised. The first half is good, but the classic “deaths by accident” which make the 1976 iconic, are meh in this one. The jump scares are even more forgettable, some body horror scenes are good, but others look too fake. One scene reminded me of Piranha 3D… that cannot be a good comparison 😅 It became too predictable imo, and the ending scene feels so forced to get more films out of this franchise…

[@dunnowy123]

It was good; I find it hilarious that this came out SO close to Immaculate and they're essentially the same movie. I can't decide which one is better tbh, but I was pleasantly surprised with this one, it's legitimately creepy and disturbing

[@davidsantacarla]

The Devil hand crotch shot. This is how I knew this wasn’t a cookie cutter movie. This one goes there and so beautifully.

[@rengarcia5189]

I didn't like it much. You say it didn't have a lot of jump scares, but i counted at least four. It seemed like they happened a lot. Also, while very atmospheric, the film was mostly shot in the dark, which started to annoy me after a while. And, my biggest and most important issue with this film, is how it breaks Canon several times. Some of the things i loved most about the original film, this one steps all over and attempts to "normalize." I cant forgive it for that. Also, the film clearly attempts to spawn a franchise from this which seems cheesy at best. C- from me.

[@sagittarianfirerat7657]

I just saw it today, I enjoyed the plot twist.

[@gabrielleroux2333]

Let me help you here : The First omen is the prequel of the original The Omen movie

[@jennifermaloney7032]

I absolutely loved this movie!!!

[@joshbainbridge5086]

Who is the demon touching at 4:15

[@rubenperez1636]

Oh my God, it dragged like crazy. But I like the concept where ties in to the omen. I feel like it needs another movie. To finalize it

[@heatheraggus7501]

This movie was surprisingly awesome! Unfortunately, only my partner and I were in the theater. I sure hope word of mouth catches on for it!

[@Amp661]

As a prequel, it sucked horribly. As a standalone, it would be ok, but it was horrible getting the facts right on damiens lineage.

[@csjcsj2906]

I'm going to imagine that the marketing was purposefully trying to utilize reverse psychology.

[@cannukeddee]

Too bad this movie had a "C" Cinemascore. This is a SOLID film. Perhaps the opening night viewers that rated the film were on the younger end? Excellent job Arkasha Stevenson! I cannot wait to see what you do next!

[@brianng8350]

The trailer did not impress me. I expected a lot of cheap jump scares. Good to hear it is better.

[@anaalicia5029]

It’s really too bad people mishandled its release and did it way better with way lesser films

[@keaton3174]

It was nice but also disappointing that there were only two other people in our screening of this. I agree that the studio completely mismanaged the marketing for this and it deserved to make more than $8 mill opening weekend. Earlier critics screenings and allowing reviews to come out on Mon or Tues would've pushed this up to the $10 mill area I bet. For me I would rate it an 8/10

[@Amp661]

You're generous. I gave it a 3/10. It sucked on so many levels tying the first films together

[@billykaae3985]

Going to watch it tonight with the wife. Hope it is good

[@SUBWAYSWITCH]

i heard Damien's mother isnt a jackal like they said in the original , is that true ?

[@DanMurrellMovies]

I wouldn’t say that’s true, no.

[@AmaroRay4258]

Dude, it’s very true! Damien was born of a jackal and not from a human. That’s what makes this reboot, not a prequel comparable to Immaculate. Had they kept the jackal birth from the original, there would be no confusion or comparison.

[@SUBWAYSWITCH]

@@AmaroRay4258 thank you mate , how can they get such an important thing wrong , its ruined the film for me

[@DanMurrellMovies]

@SUBWAYSWITCH Wait! He’s wrong! I’m telling you - the movie has an interesting interpretation that allows it to stay faithful to the original. The First Omen is not a reboot at all. You’re getting bad info

[@classicarah]

@@AmaroRay4258is the mom really human though?

[@SuperDogBro3]

I'm still disappointed that back then didn't remake all of the omen movies. Reason why I say that is because the remake of The Omen was actually pretty good

[@thallesvinicius2729]

02:28

[@tombrand236]

Heard lots of good things about this film! And I never go to see horror films

[@Amp661]

I'm a die hard horror elitist, and this film was ok. As a prequel? It sucks

[@matheuslascasas134]

The critical reception has been positive but not spectacular for this, so I’m not really sure if an early embargo would build that much buzz. I think I’m just gonna wait for streaming for this one. Trailer looked pretty cool, but it doesn’t really feel like something that needs the theatrical experience to be enjoyed

[@libanesamaria6675]

Damn, now I want to watch it. I didn’t want to see it because of then red flags but I made the right choice of watching peoples reviews about it. They all saying is a very good movie.

[@kelvinreynolds4246]

I wouldn’t normally say this, but I’d love to see a remake of The Omen off the back of this film

[@AT-st5dr]

There was a remake in 2006 which was quite good. Have you seen it?

[@kelvinreynolds4246]

@@AT-st5dr I did. It kind fell flat for me.

[@AT-st5dr]

@@kelvinreynolds4246 I think it was a well done remake. Except for the casting of Julia Stiles as the mother. She didn't suit the role I think.

[@stevecatanio8532]

Just kiddinh😂

[@imaadahere]

Sounds like I'll enjoy this one.

[@Amp661]

Nah it sucked. Horrible prequel. It screwed up Damiens lineage.

[@SuperLolguy99]

this film was a banger

[@Fuuntag]

9:18, I think we all are.

[@megoaway961]

As a person who likes horror but isn't really familiar with this series you gave me a reason to check out a movie I was planning on skipping

[@CristianGeelen]

Still. Despite it might be good. I wish they would start making entire new movies and start being creative again instead of using old ideas and concepts.

[@kingmj87]

Disney’s making the best legacy horror but they don’t know how to market it. They dumped arguably the best entries in the Predator and Hellraiser franchises since the originals on streaming.