The First Omen: A Copycat in the World of Horror

The Art of Borrowing in Horror Films

The First Omen, an upcoming horror prequel, has already sparked controversy for replicating a signature scene from a recent horror hit that gained recognition in 2022. While it's not uncommon for horror movies to pay homage to their predecessors, the extent of replication in The First Omen has raised questions about the originality of the film and its impact on the genre.

Creepy closeup of a woman smiling in Smile 2022

Horror movies have a long history of borrowing elements from one another, often resulting in iconic moments and introducing viewers to genre classics. However, there is a fine line between a respectful nod to an earlier film and shameless copying of a popular concept.

Amie Donald as M3GAN dressed in a long elegant coat standing in the forest admiring the piece of ear she's just ripped from the head of a young child

The plot of The First Omen, which intertwines elements of the original Omen with Suspiria and The Nun, initially seemed to offer a playful blend of influences. However, it's a specific and unmistakable nod in the film's trailer that has drawn criticism for lacking inspiration.

Unveiling the Controversial Scene

About 33 seconds into The First Omen’s teaser trailer, a striking image of a woman smiling a creepy, serene smile while lying on an operating table flashes on the screen. This scene bears a striking resemblance to a shot from Smile, the 2022 sleeper hit that achieved remarkable success with a modest budget.

The unsettling rictus grin featured in The First Omen mirrors the eerie yet authentic smiles depicted in Smile, creating a sense of discomfort that is not reliant on CGI effects. Unlike previous horror films that utilized exaggerated special effects to enhance their frightening grins, the natural and disquieting nature of the smiles in both films sets them apart.

While The First Omen’s trailer incorporates innovative techniques, such as playing sequences in reverse to evoke a haunting and disorienting atmosphere, the blatant reference to a recent genre hit has disappointed many, raising concerns about the film's overall originality and impact on the contemporary horror landscape.

The Power of Originality in Horror

Critics and audiences alike have increasingly expressed a preference for original horror films over endless remakes, reboots, and re-imaginings of classic titles. The success of movies like Smile and M3GAN, which achieved unexpected acclaim with modest budgets, has underscored the appeal of fresh and inventive storytelling in the horror genre.

The rise of micro-budget indies like Terrifier 2 and Skinamarink has further demonstrated that smaller-scale productions can captivate audiences with their creativity, while the disappointment surrounding sequels to prestigious franchises, as seen in The Exorcist: Believer, has highlighted the challenge faced by derivative films in winning over horror enthusiasts.

With this prevailing sentiment favoring originality and innovation in horror, The First Omen faces an uphill battle in earning the trust and enthusiasm of horror fans upon its release.