Key Takeaways:
– “The First Omen,” the prequel to the 1976 horror classic “The Omen,” will be released on April 5th by 20th Century Studios.
– The movie content had to be slightly altered to receive an R rating instead of the risky NC-17.
– Director Arkasha Stevenson had to limit a graphic birthing scene length to prevent it from earning the movie a nearly NC-17 rating.
– This change forced the director and producers to contend with the Motion Picture Association ratings board multiple times.
– Production for “The First Omen” began back in 2016, and the film is the sixth entry to the Omen franchise.
On April 5, the horror genre fans will witness the awaited arrival of “The First Omen,” the prequel to the gruesome 1976 classic “The Omen.” Nell Tiger Free, known for her recent appearance in Apple TV+’s “Servant,” stars in the movie, produced by 20th Century Studios. However, attaining an R rating for its release was no minor feat due to a controversial birthing scene.
Struggle for the R rating
According to the film’s director, Arkasha Stevenson, a particular scene that lasted a mere thirteen seconds was the culprit behind the rating debacle. The contentious part showcased the real implications of body horror, specifically focusing on the female form, by zooming in on a woman’s vagina during childbirth. The scene was created to discuss female body horror and forced reproduction in a non-sexual context, emphasizing the theme of the film. Nevertheless, to secure an R rating, the shot had to be altered.
Battling Prejudices in Filmmaking
Aided by producers David S. Goyer and Keith Levine, Stevenson put up a stiff resistance to retain the shot. The trio had to plead their case in front of the Motion Picture Association ratings board not once or twice but five times. Ironically, Levine remarked that the struggle to avoid an NC-17 rating somehow intensified the movie’s impact. Goyer also highlighted the double standards in appreciating body horror from male and female perspectives, pointing out the skewed permissiveness when male protagonists are involved.
Plot Teaser and Enriched Cast
“The First Omen” unravels the tale of a young American woman posted in Rome for church service. The plot thickens as she encounters a disturbing darkness that shatters her faith in church and uncovers an evil conspiracy looming in the shadows. Alongside Free, acclaimed actors such as Tawfeek Barhom, Sonia Braga, Ralph Ineson, and Bill Nighy round off the cast, promising an intensified performance.
Setting the Stage for “The First Omen”
Back in 2016, rumblings about the prequel’s development began to circulate. Director Antonio Campos and writer Ben Jacoby were initially linked to the project, later substituted by “The Conjuring” writers Chad and Carey Hayes. Subsequently, “Gone Girl” author Gillian Flynn joined the team. Ultimately, the film landed on Arkasha Stevenson’s table, who redefined the script along with Tim Smith. Putting their final touches on it was Keith Thomas of “Firestarter.”
Respecting Its Roots
“The First Omen” continues the legacy of the iconic horror series that began with the 1976 original. Over the years, four sequels and a remake expanded the Omen saga. As it gears for its theatrical release, curious fans are keen to know if the buzz around its birthing scene enhances their movie experience. The film is not just a continued saga but also offers an intimate insight into the issues surrounding the representation of female body horror on the big screen.
