48 years after all 1er part filmed by the late Richard Donner, “The Omen” or “The Curse” in French, develops again through an intense, frightening and distressing prequel. Directed by Arkasha Stevenson, who masters his horrific work very well.
Father Brennan has high hopes for his meeting with his colleague, Father Harris. Because the latter apparently has many mysterious answers to transmit to his colleague. As the exchange ends on the steps of the church, the new information that Brennan has learned greatly frightens her. In addition and before his eyes, Harris will die. Or would it be the opposite? Some time later in Rome, young Margaret finally arrives in Rome where she will convey her vows in order to begin her pious life within the church. At first, she will have no idea of the complex and rather diabolical specificities of the convent. But between his intuitions, visions, the brief meeting with a certain Harris and his instinctive need to protect young Carlita, this moment in this convent will not be restful. The evidence of evil is accumulating and could even emerge violently, causing several people to lose their minds…
It was in 2006 and following the success of the adaptation of “The Omen” from 1976, that the franchise was relaunched. This new transposition was very successful and a few years later, in 2016, its television series as well.
Behind the cameras as screenwriter and director, Arkasha Stevenson who directed her all 1er feature film for the studio “20th Century Studios”, bought by “Disney” in 2019. However, its involvement in horror and anguish is not the 1time times.
Indeed, a majority of the episodes of the different series in which the filmmaker participated remain linked to the aforementioned genres. Just like his colleagues at the level of the scenario of “The Curse: The Origin”, like Tim Smith (“Searching – Missing”), these aspects prove to be respected, intense and very effective in relation to this prequel .
Thus, spectators quickly plunge into a beautiful and relatively happy period, the 1970s and in Italy more precisely. The settings, clothing and even dialogue are cleverly and beautifully tailored to the decade.
More surprising is the plot. Because if the paranoia and fear are well developed as the heroine “Margaret” discovers, the suspense and horror are never forgotten and never go away.
Furthermore, the mysteries that the young woman will solve are astonishing due to their ingenuity and their connections with the sad events occurring a few years later, notably through a certain “Damien”…
Played by actress Nell Tiger Free (“Game of Thrones”), “Margaret” demonstrates her faults and qualities with talent throughout the story. At his side, the strange and frightened “Father Brennan” who is played by Ralph Ineson.
Even if his role remains different between the 2024 version and that of 1976, his participation in the two feature films amuses aficionados of the horror genre. In addition to her character, “Carlita Scianna” played by debutant Nicole Sorace, brings a judicious feeling of dread.
In addition to the good distribution, scenes skillfully filmed in reverse shots and perfectly adapted to the atmospheres of “The Curse: The Origin”, the musical work of Mark Korven (“Black Phone”) is ideally adjusted to the atmospheres of fiction.
This, thanks to the know-how of the said composer, but also to the incredible and splendid choirs of London and Toronto. Their rather sordid rhythms frame all the contexts of the film very well. In addition, the basic theme created in 1976 by Jerry Goldsmith is superbly preserved.
Featuring several successful plot twists, “The Curse: The Origin” follows and respects the codes of horror wonderfully. It is therefore a shame to note that the public is little interested in this production compared, for example, to the poor “Nun”.
In any case, “Damien” and his companions will not necessarily appeal to people sensitive to hemoglobin and gloomy atmospheres. For fans of previous versions, the tributes will be a pleasure and it is to be hoped that the implied sequel can be made under the same conditions.
The Curse: The Origin
ITA – USA – 2024
Duration: 1h57 min
Horror, Horror
Director: Arkasha Stevenson
Starring: Bill Nighy, Bell Tiger Free, Ralph Ineson, Charles Dance, Sonia Braga, Alessia Bonacci, Anton Alexander, Nicole Sorace
Walt Disney Switzerland
10.04.2024 at the cinema
