Plot:
Nell Tiger Free portrays Margaret, a young American novice nun tasked with the compassionate education of underprivileged children in a secluded Roman orphanage. Under the stern guidance of Mother Superior (Sonia Braga), Margaret’s routine is disrupted when she is summoned to the school by a cardinal from her past (Bill Nighy). There, she encounters a girl (Nicole Sorace) bearing a striking resemblance to herself, setting the stage for an unconventional twist in “The First Omen” series.
One evening, Margaret is persuaded by her lively companion, Luz, to step out of her comfort zone and accompany her to a disco. Amidst the pulsating music and swirling lights, Margaret finds herself drawn to a charming Italian youth who shares a fleeting kiss with her. However, the following morning, Margaret awakens in a clammy haze, her memories of the previous night elusive. It’s Luz who reassures her, recounting how she ensured Margaret’s safe return home.
Review:
The film delves into the life of Margaret, an American embarking on her religious journey in Rome in 1971. “The First Omen” sets a chilling tone with a tense exchange between two English priests, Father Harris (played by Charles Dance) and Father Brennan (portrayed by Ralph Ineson), discussing the ominous conception of a cursed child—a girl whose arrival will unleash formidable evil.
Margaret’s sole moment of vulnerability occurs during a night at the disco, yet she swiftly regains her resolve upon returning to her duties at Vizzardeli. It’s here she becomes drawn to Carlita (played by Nicole Sorace), a troubled teenager deemed a prime candidate for bearing Lucifer’s offspring. Despite Carlita’s unsettling behavior, including an altercation with a nun and confinement to a separate room, Margaret harbors only compassion for her.
Sharing a similar background, Margaret opens up to Carlita about her own struggles and eventual acceptance with the help of her orphanage’s clergy, offering solace and understanding. However, a foreboding encounter with Father Brennan foreshadows ominous events surrounding Carlita.
Tragedy strikes in the form of a young nun’s self-immolation, echoing eerie echoes as she declares, “It’s all for you!” before leaping to her demise. The harrowing scene unfolds before the horrified gaze of Margaret, Carlita, and the other inhabitants of Vizzardeli, signaling a darkening of events yet to come.
Rating: 4/5
With Arkasha Stevenson, known for her work on “Channel Zero,” at the helm and Nell Tiger Free, recognized for her role in “Servant,” taking the lead, viewers have ample reason for anticipation. The film sidesteps any heavy-handed emphasis on trauma, opting instead for a nuanced approach. As a prelude to one of cinema’s most spine-chilling tales, “The First Omen” is poised to captivate audiences anew. This cinematic offering earns a commendable four out of five stars.
