‘The First Omen’ Reveals Horror’s Beginnings in Cinemas April 5

Experience the spine-tingling origins of evil with ‘The First Omen.’ Discover the untold story coming to Philippine cinemas on April 5.

Prepare to be transported to the chilling depths of terror as “The First Omen” emerges onto the big screen in Philippine cinemas on April 5. This highly anticipated installment of the famed Omen franchise promises to send shivers down your spine with its gripping narrative, rich lore, and heart-stopping thrills.

Nell Tiger Free as Margaret in 20th Century Studios’ THE FIRST OMEN. Photo credit: Moris Puccio/20th Century Studios. © 2023 20th Century Studios. All Rights Reserved.

Starring Nell Tiger Free, Tawfeek Barhom, Sonia Braga, Ralph Ineson, alongside Charles Dance and Bill Nighy, and directed by Arkasha Stevenson, “The First Omen” takes audiences back to 1971. Set in Rome, the film serves as both a prequel and a standalone masterpiece, weaving a tale of darkness and conspiracy that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

The Omen series, long celebrated for its spine-chilling take on the prophecy of the Antichrist, now turns the page back to reveal the untold beginnings. The First Omen focuses on the maternal lineage of this embodiment of evil, a departure from the previous emphasis on Damien, the notorious child Antichrist

This narrative pivot not only reinvigorates the franchise but also enriches the dark tapestry of its universe. As viewers, we’re invited to piece together the puzzle of the Antichrist’s origins, tracing the sinister path from a human mother’s womb rather than the supernatural birth from a jackal as depicted in the 1976 original.

Margaret’s journey in Rome serves as our window into this unfolding nightmare. Her tale is one of faith tested by darkness, a personal voyage that mirrors the grandiose theme of good versus evil at the heart of the Omen lore.

The First Omen is not merely a prequel; it’s a masterful reinterpretation of the series’ core themes. By delving into the backstory of the Antichrist’s mother, the film offers a nuanced exploration of the forces of darkness, setting a new standard for religious horror.

Bill Nighy, portraying Cardinal Lawrence, shares, “because there are so many references they will pick up on and know. It will be intriguing for them to know how certain characters develop, what happens, knowing their future, et cetera. There are plenty of thrills, horror, and suspense, but they will be able to trace, from this movie, the futures into the later four parts of the story, which is especially exciting.” Hinting at the numerous references and plot elements that echo throughout this new chapter. This film not only promises to deliver its signature dose of thrills and horror but also to deepen the lore for aficionados of the franchise.

As a long-awaited origin story, “The First Omen” promises to unravel the mysteries surrounding the Antichrist while paying homage to its predecessors. Fans of the franchise will delight in the references and callbacks peppered throughout the film, while newcomers will be captivated by its immersive storytelling and pulse-pounding suspense.

Gather your friends and brace yourselves for the ultimate cinematic experience as “The First Omen” hits theaters nationwide on April 5. Follow 20th Century Studios on social media for updates and join the conversation using the hashtag #TheFirstOmenPH. Don’t miss your chance to witness the birth of evil in “The First Omen.”

(ROHN ROMULO)