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Horror film

The First Omen (2024): Cast, Ratings, Box Office & Ending

The First Omen (2024) movie poster

The First Omen is a 2024 horror film directed by Arkasha Stevenson, starring Ralph Ineson as Father Brennan, Charles Dance and Nicole Sorace. It runs 2 hours and earned $53.8 million worldwide on a $30 million budget. It earned 1 award nomination, including Best Horror Film at the Saturn Awards 2025. Critics gave it 84% on Rotten Tomatoes and 65 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 6.5/10.

IMDb rating
6.5/10
Rotten Tomatoes
84%
worldwide gross
$53.8M
award nomination
1
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The First Omen (2024) movie poster
Released
Runtime
2h (120 min)
Genre
Horror
Original language
English
Budget
$30M
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is The First Omen About?

The premise of The First Omen without spoilers. The whole story and the ending explained are in the plot summary further down.

A young American nun-to-be travels to Rome and encounters a disturbing mystery that challenges her faith. As she investigates, she discovers a sinister plot with the potential to unleash evil upon the world, forcing her to confront a growing darkness and re-evaluate her beliefs.

The First Omen Themes & Keywords

· 50 tags
  • antichrist
  • nun
  • rome italy
  • satanism
  • supernatural horror
  • italia
  • satanist
  • orphanage
  • 1970s
  • prequel
  • female frontal nudity
  • female full frontal nudity
+38 more
  • female rear nudity
  • childbirth
  • priest
  • catholic priest
  • spider
  • raped by a monster
  • catholicism
  • twins
  • suicide by self immolation
  • female protagonist
  • number 666
  • self immolation
  • american in italy
  • prequel to cult film
  • catholic nun
  • female nudity
  • title directed by female
  • omen
  • three word title
  • beast
  • british priest
  • italian
  • bar
  • spanish woman
  • mexican
  • mexican priest
  • levitation
  • catholic
  • supernatural rape
  • woman raped by a monster
  • sister sister relationship
  • suicide
  • key
  • secret room
  • child's drawing
  • photograph
  • pregnancy
  • hit by a car
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Cast & crew

The First Omen Cast & Characters

Ralph Ineson leads the cast as Father Brennan, with Charles Dance as Father Harris and Nicole Sorace as Carlita Scianna. Directed by Arkasha Stevenson; 20 actors are credited in all.

Also Starring in The First Omen

· 16 more
Ratings

The First Omen Reviews & Ratings

Critics gave The First Omen 84% on Rotten Tomatoes and 65 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 6.5/10. Our Echo Score gives it 80/100, strongest in art & craft (90) and weakest in story & flow (60).

80 /100

The First Omen Echo Score Breakdown

In The First Omen, visual craftsmanship and atmospheric tension form the film’s primary asset. Reviewers consistently praise the stylish direction, period detail, and cinematic imagery that deliver memorable, skin-crawling moments, while strong performances—especially by Nell Tiger Free—elevate the material. The narrative receives mixed reactions, with some noting predictable twists and deliberate pacing. Overall, the project offers a revitalizing prequel experience that should satisfy both newcomers and long-standing fans.

Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.

  • Art & Craft 90

    In terms of art and craft, The First Omen excels with its confident direction and meticulously composed cinematography. Reviewers highlight the evocative color palette, period-accurate production design, and crisp editing that sustain an immersive 1970s atmosphere. Several critics note striking camera movement and textured visuals that reinforce the film’s Gothic mood. These visual strengths consistently propel the tone, marking art and craft as a clear advantage.

  • Character & Emotion 80

    When it comes to character and emotion, the film benefits from engaging performances that anchor the supernatural stakes. Nell Tiger Free’s portrayal is frequently described as compelling, and supporting actors convey unsettling conviction in pivotal scenes. While some critics observe limited development beyond the central figure, the cast’s chemistry and emotional intensity maintain a strong empathetic connection. Overall, character work reinforces the film’s ominous impact.

  • Story & Flow 60

    In terms of story and flow, reactions are more varied, noting a coherent narrative that enriches franchise lore but unfolds with measured pacing. Reviewers praise the integration of thematic elements and a logical progression of suspense, yet some find plot twists predictable and the tempo occasionally lethargic. This balance of effective world-building and uneven momentum yields a moderately engaging but non-revolutionary storyline.

  • Sensory Experience 80

    In terms of sensory experience, The First Omen delivers memorable auditory and visual jolts that resonate with genre expectations. Critics cite a commanding score, haunting sound design, and practical effects that generate genuine atmosphere. The film’s textured visuals, from shadow-laden corridors to vivid shock moments, sustain a palpable sense of dread. Despite occasional criticisms of abrupt jump scares, the sensory execution remains a standout feature.

  • Rewatch Factor 75

    In terms of rewatch factor, opinions suggest the film offers lasting appeal for genre enthusiasts, thanks to its rich atmosphere and franchise context. Several reviewers mention the value of repeated viewings to appreciate atmospheric buildup and visual nuances. However, the deliberate pacing and familiar narrative beats may temper enthusiasm for some audiences. Overall, the film commands moderate replay value, particularly for fans of the original series.

Plot

The First Omen Plot Summary & Ending Explained

What happens in The First Omen from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 15 key events and the ending explained. The opening is below; the full summary is a 4-minute read.

Spoilers ahead

As Father Brennan presses Father Harris regarding a sinister conspiracy, Harris’s anxiety escalates dramatically. In a moment of desperation, he hands Brennan a haunting photo of a newborn, ominously labeled “Scianna.” Tragedy soon befalls them when Harris’s life is brutally cut short by a falling pipe, a shocking event that shatters not only his skull but the fabric of their inquiry.

Full summary

The whole story of The First Omen, scene by scene, with the ending explained

Read the full summary
Box office

The First Omen Box Office & Budget

The First Omen grossed $53.8 million worldwide on a $30 million budget, 1.8 times what it cost. $20.1 million came from the US and Canada and $33.8 million (63%) from the rest of the world.

2024 box office

Worldwide gross

$53.8M

1.8× its budget

US & Canada
$20.1M
International
$33.8M
Budget
$30M
US & Canada 37% Rest of the world 63%
Awards

The First Omen Awards & Nominations

The First Omen earned 1 award nomination, including Best Horror Film at the Saturn Awards 2025.

1 nomination1 ceremony

Videos

The First Omen Trailers & Videos

57 videos: 5 trailers, 39 teasers, 5 clips, 7 featurettes and 1 behind-the-scenes video.

All 57 videos
Official Trailer
  • Trailer Official Trailer
  • Trailer Official Trailer Audio Described
  • Trailer 70s Trailer
  • Trailer First to Own Trailer
Quiz

How Well Do You Know The First Omen?

10 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.

Question 1 of 10

  1. Question 1: not answered
  2. Question 2: not answered
  3. Question 3: not answered
  4. Question 4: not answered
  5. Question 5: not answered
  6. Question 6: not answered
  7. Question 7: not answered
  8. Question 8: not answered
  9. Question 9: not answered
  10. Question 10: not answered

What ominous label is found on the photograph handed to Father Brennan?

Details

The First Omen Also Known As

43 alternative titles, including “더 퍼스트 오멘” and “סימן משמיים: אות ראשון”.

Also known as
  • 더 퍼스트 오멘
  • סימן משמיים: אות ראשון
  • Das erste Omen
  • אות משמיים: סימן ראשון
  • 第一凶兆
  • 天魔:恶之初
  • 凶兆:恶之初
  • Ο Πρώτος Οιωνός
  • La primera profecía
  • اولین نشانه
  • La Malédiction : Le Commencement
  • 天魔:初兆
+31 more
  • La Malédiction - L'Origine
  • La Malédiction L'Origine
  • La Malédiction
  • L'Origine
  • Omen: Początek
  • オーメン:ザ・ファースト
  • 凶兆前传
  • A Primeira Profecia
  • Omen - L’origine del presagio
  • 오멘: 저주의 시작
  • Điềm Báo Của Quỷ
  • La Malédiction : L'Origine
  • Omen. Początek
  • กำเนิดอาถรรพ์หมายเลข 6
  • Omen: İlk Kehanet
  • Az első ómen
  • Омен: Початок
  • 天魔:惡之初, ომენი: დასაწყისი
  • אות משמיים: הסימן הראשון
  • První znamení: Přichází satan!
  • O Génio do Mal: O Início
  • Омен. Первое знамение
  • الفأل الأول
  • Prvé znamenie: Prichádza Satan!
  • Prvo znamenje
  • Prvo pretkazanje
  • Pirmasis ženklas
  • اولین طالع نحس
  • Първата поличба
  • Întâia profeție
  • Прво предсказање

Seen The First Omen?

FAQ

The First Omen FAQ: Cast, Box Office & Awards

Runtime, release date, director, cast, box office, ratings, awards and post-credit scenes of The First Omen, each answered in a sentence.

How long is The First Omen?

The First Omen runs 2 hours (120 minutes).

When was The First Omen released?

The First Omen was released on April 5, 2024.

Who directed The First Omen?

The First Omen was directed by Arkasha Stevenson.

More films by Arkasha Stevenson

Who is in the cast of The First Omen?

The First Omen stars Ralph Ineson as Father Brennan, Charles Dance as Father Harris and Nicole Sorace as Carlita Scianna, among 20 credited actors.

How much did The First Omen make at the box office?

The First Omen grossed $53.8 million worldwide ($20.1 million domestic, $33.8 million international) on a budget of $30 million.

How is The First Omen rated?

The First Omen has 6.5/10 on IMDb, 84% on Rotten Tomatoes, 65 on Metacritic and 68% on TMDB.

Was The First Omen nominated for any awards?

The First Omen received 1 nomination across 1 ceremony.

Does The First Omen have a post-credit scene?

No. The First Omen has no extra scene during or after the credits.

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