'The First Omen' Receives Critical Acclaim as a Fresh Take on Horror

Critics laud Arkasha Stevenson's directorial debut for its atmospheric storytelling and focus on female body horror, noting a departure from genre clichés.

'The First Omen', a prequel to the 1976 horror classic, explores the origins of the Antichrist in 1971 Rome, featuring a young nun named Margaret.
Critics praise the film for its atmospheric and suspenseful storytelling, noting its departure from typical horror tropes and its focus on female body horror.
Arkasha Stevenson's directorial debut is hailed for reinvigorating the horror genre, with comparisons to 'Rosemary's Baby' and commendations for its visual storytelling.
Despite its R rating for violent content and disturbing images, the film is considered better than the original by some reviewers.
The film delves into themes of women's bodies, abortion, and the Catholic Church, providing social commentary alongside its horror narrative.