The First Omen is coming out tomorrow, April 3rd
In 1976, the release of The Omen, known as Il Presagio in Italian, stirred a mixed response from both audiences and critics. While some cinema experts initially balked at the horror film’s portrayal of the birth of Satan’s progeny, aficionados of the genre embraced it eagerly, propelling it to become one of the highest-grossing films of the year. Gregory Peck’s portrayal of an American diplomat in Rome, unwittingly adopting the devil’s child, undoubtedly contributed to its success. Now, on April 3rd, The First Omen (Omen – Le Origini del Presagio, in Italian), a fresh supernatural thriller from 20th Century Studios, hits American theaters, and the day after it will arrive in Italy. Serving as a prequel to the ‘76 cinematic gem and marking the sixth installment of the saga, this film aspires to ride the wave of successful horror flicks that have been luring audiences back to cinemas in recent years.
Nell Tiger Free, recognized for her portrayal of Myrcella Baratheon in Game of Thrones and her enigmatic role in The Servant as a babysitter wielding mysterious and supernatural powers, now takes center stage in a full-length feature film. Her character, Margaret, an aspiring nun dispatched to Rome to complete her novitiate, forms the linchpin of this new Omen chapter. “Filming in Italy was a delight – Free shares – Residing near Piazza del Popolo, I was within walking distance of the set, although I never dared to do so due to night shoots. The crew was Italian, infusing the production with a distinct Italian vibe.”
Her portrayal of Margaret exudes an unsettling aura, contrasting sharply with her real-life persona as she sits poised for an interview, radiating innocence. “Becoming Margaret was an organic process. I entrusted myself to Arkasha Stevenson’s guidance, relishing the opportunity to delve into Margaret’s multifaceted personality. Exploring various emotional and mental states proved to be a gratifying challenge.”
Stevenson, making her directorial debut in feature films and breaking ground as the first woman to helm this franchise, brings a fresh perspective and palpable enthusiasm to the project. “We loved shooting in Italy; I guess we couldn’t have shot anywhere else. Rome is such an important character in the film and added so much to the story. Given the topic of the movie, it was important for us to be surrounded by the presence of the church and all the iconography you can find throughout the city. It puts you in a headspace that nowhere else would have for this movie”.
The First Omen delves into feminine themes such as motherhood, abortion, and adoption, marking a significant departure from its predecessors. Moreover, it stands as the first installment in the saga directed by a woman. “A female perspective was imperative for tackling these themes – asserts director Stevenson, whose passion and respect for the horror genre permeate every frame – This has always been a franchise about men, but we are talking about the birth of the devil, so about pregnancy and motherhood. It was really exciting for me reading the first script and realizing that our movie was going to be told from the perspective of a woman. That makes it very different from the other films and that gave me the possibility to create something new, even while making this film a heartfelt homage to the original Omen
“While the prospect of contributing to such a legendary title initially daunted me – Stevenson admits – the opportunity to introduce new characters and narratives within the Omen universe proved invigorating. I envision our film as a beacon in the resurgence of horror cinema, offering a nuanced take on timeless themes.”
Venturing into a revered franchise and infusing it with fresh energy and perspective, especially as a debutante female director, is no small feat. “Growing up immersed in the Omen saga, I always sensed its predominantly male focus – Stevenson reflects – However, our film’s exploration of motherhood and female agency injects a much-needed feminine perspective into the narrative, marking a significant evolution for the franchise.”
Matteo Ghidoni
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In 1976, the release of The Omen, known as Il Presagio in Italian, stirred a mixed response from both audiences and critics. While some cinema experts initially balked at the horror film’s portrayal of the birth of Satan’s progeny, aficionados of the genre embraced it eagerly, propelling it to become one of the highest-grossing films of the year. Gregory Peck’s portrayal of an American diplomat in Rome, unwittingly adopting the devil’s child, undoubtedly contributed to its success. Now, on April 3rd, The First Omen (Omen – Le Origini del Presagio, in Italian), a fresh supernatural thriller from 20th Century Studios, hits American theaters, and the day after it will arrive in Italy. Serving as a prequel to the ‘76 cinematic gem and marking the sixth installment of the saga, this film aspires to ride the wave of successful horror flicks that have been luring audiences back to cinemas in recent years.
Nell Tiger Free, recognized for her portrayal of Myrcella Baratheon in Game of Thrones and her enigmatic role in The Servant as a babysitter wielding mysterious and supernatural powers, now takes center stage in a full-length feature film. Her character, Margaret, an aspiring nun dispatched to Rome to complete her novitiate, forms the linchpin of this new Omen chapter. “Filming in Italy was a delight – Free shares – Residing near Piazza del Popolo, I was within walking distance of the set, although I never dared to do so due to night shoots. The crew was Italian, infusing the production with a distinct Italian vibe.”
Her portrayal of Margaret exudes an unsettling aura, contrasting sharply with her real-life persona as she sits poised for an interview, radiating innocence. “Becoming Margaret was an organic process. I entrusted myself to Arkasha Stevenson’s guidance, relishing the opportunity to delve into Margaret’s multifaceted personality. Exploring various emotional and mental states proved to be a gratifying challenge.”
Stevenson, making her directorial debut in feature films and breaking ground as the first woman to helm this franchise, brings a fresh perspective and palpable enthusiasm to the project. “We loved shooting in Italy; I guess we couldn’t have shot anywhere else. Rome is such an important character in the film and added so much to the story. Given the topic of the movie, it was important for us to be surrounded by the presence of the church and all the iconography you can find throughout the city. It puts you in a headspace that nowhere else would have for this movie”.
The First Omen delves into feminine themes such as motherhood, abortion, and adoption, marking a significant departure from its predecessors. Moreover, it stands as the first installment in the saga directed by a woman. “A female perspective was imperative for tackling these themes – asserts director Stevenson, whose passion and respect for the horror genre permeate every frame – This has always been a franchise about men, but we are talking about the birth of the devil, so about pregnancy and motherhood. It was really exciting for me reading the first script and realizing that our movie was going to be told from the perspective of a woman. That makes it very different from the other films and that gave me the possibility to create something new, even while making this film a heartfelt homage to the original Omen
“While the prospect of contributing to such a legendary title initially daunted me – Stevenson admits – the opportunity to introduce new characters and narratives within the Omen universe proved invigorating. I envision our film as a beacon in the resurgence of horror cinema, offering a nuanced take on timeless themes.”
Venturing into a revered franchise and infusing it with fresh energy and perspective, especially as a debutante female director, is no small feat. “Growing up immersed in the Omen saga, I always sensed its predominantly male focus – Stevenson reflects – However, our film’s exploration of motherhood and female agency injects a much-needed feminine perspective into the narrative, marking a significant evolution for the franchise.”
Matteo Ghidoni
Share:
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