The First Omen's plot is dampened by typical prequel issues such as predictability, convolution, and absurdity. However, these flaws are softened by prioritized character development and sufficient themes. Topics of power, abuse, control, and trauma are considered without becoming too overt. Instead, those ideas support the drama. The protagonist is internally conflicted, layered, motivated, and relatable. This is enhanced by the superb acting, which brings range, vulnerability, intensity, explosive physicality, repression, distress, and significant growth. There's also setup/payoff, mild twists, and measured fan service. Overall, The First Omen is buoyed by effective emotions.
The First Omen is understated with bursts of surrealism, graphic violence, ominous tension, and a bit of monotony. The imagery uses lighting, framing, angles, reflections, symmetry, and depth. Its editing offers slo-mo, inserts, dissolves, slow pacing, and spotty momentum. The immersive sound adds smash cuts, echoes, whisper motifs, split cuts, muffling, and genre elements. Its music builds off the original, creating an unsettling and often epic atmosphere. The cast isn't particularly famous, but there's great talent and refreshing representation. Its effects create body horror through CGI, prosthetics, wires, pyrotechnics, makeup, and stunts. Ultimately, The First Omen has solid merit.
Writing: 6/10
Direction: 7/10
Cinematography: 8/10
Acting: 9/10
Editing: 7/10
Sound: 9/10
Score/Soundtrack: 9/10
Production Design: 8/10
Casting: 6/10
Effects: 8/10
Overall Score: 7.7/10
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