The First Omen is a supernatural horror film that takes viewers deep into the dark and mysterious world of the Catholic Church. Directed by Arkasha Stevenson, this movie serves as a prequel to the classic 1976 horror film, The Omen. The First Omen is the sixth film in The Omen franchise and marks Arkasha Stevenson’s debut as a feature film director. The movie stars Nell Tiger Free, who plays Margaret, a young American nun-in-training. Margaret is sent to Rome to complete her training at an orphanage, where she uncovers a sinister conspiracy within the Church involving the birth of an antichrist child.
Where was “The First Omen” Filmed?
The First Omen is set in Italy, a country deeply rooted in Catholic history and traditions. The filmmakers chose Rome and the surrounding areas as the primary filming locations. Rome is known for its rich history, stunning architecture, and religious significance, making it the perfect backdrop for a movie about the dark secrets of the Church.
The Orphanage Location
In the film, Margaret’s training takes place at an orphanage in Rome. However, the orphanage seen in the movie is actually a combination of several different buildings. The production team wanted the orphanage to be unique and beautiful, so they used different locations to create the final look.
One of the main buildings used for the orphanage is Villa Parisi, a historical villa located just outside of Rome. This villa was built in the early 1600s and provided the perfect setting for the film’s orphanage scenes. In addition to Villa Parisi, the filmmakers also used a farm in Procoio to complete the orphanage’s appearance.
According to Eve Stewart, the production designer for The First Omen, the team combined three different buildings to create the orphanage. They made sure that all the buildings linked well with each other to give the illusion of a single, cohesive location.
The Basement Set
One of the most chilling scenes in the movie takes place in a dungeon-like basement. However, this basement was not filmed on location. Instead, it was a set built from scratch on a sound stage. The production team wanted the basement to be a central part of the building, so they carefully designed it to fit with the rest of the orphanage. They even included a well in the courtyard that allowed the camera to look down into the basement, adding to the eerie atmosphere.
Filming in Ancient Rome
Filming in Rome was a unique experience for the cast and crew. The city is full of historical buildings and religious iconography, which added to the overall mood of the film. According to producer Keith Levine, filming in Rome was a rare opportunity because the city still has areas that look much like they did in the 1970s, which is when the movie is set. This helped create an authentic feel for the film, as the filmmakers didn’t have to spend time and energy making another location look like Rome.
Eerie Experience for the Cast
Nell Tiger Free, who plays Margaret in the movie, reflected on the eerie experience of filming in such an ancient and religious city. She mentioned that the architecture and statues around Rome made her feel like she was being watched, adding to the paranoia and tension required for her role. Despite the creepy atmosphere, Free described Rome as a fantastic place to make a movie, appreciating the way the city’s historical buildings and religious icons enveloped the story.
The First Omen was filmed in some of the most beautiful and historically significant locations in Rome, Italy. The combination of real locations and expertly designed sets helped create the perfect atmosphere for this dark and chilling horror film. The decision to film in Rome not only added authenticity to the movie but also gave the cast and crew a unique and memorable experience. Whether you are a fan of the horror genre or simply curious about the film’s locations, The First Omen offers a fascinating glimpse into the world of the Catholic Church and its dark secrets.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – The First Omen
Q: Where was The First Omen filmed?
A: The First Omen was filmed in Rome, Italy, and the surrounding areas. The film features various historical locations in Rome, including Villa Parisi and a farm in Procoio, with some interior shots filmed on sound stages at Lumina Studios in Rome.
Q: When did the filming of The First Omen take place?
A: The filming of The First Omen took place from September 19, 2022 to November 22, 2022. The production team spent several months capturing the eerie and historical locations in Rome to bring the dark atmosphere of the movie to life.
Q: When was The First Omen released?
A: The First Omen was released in theaters in April 5, 2024. After its theatrical release, the movie became available for digital purchase and streaming on Hulu.
Q: What is The First Omen about?
A: The First Omen is a supernatural horror film and a prequel to the classic 1976 movie The Omen. It follows a young American nun-in-training named Margaret, who uncovers a dark conspiracy within the Catholic Church while completing her training at an orphanage in Rome.
Q: Was The First Omen filmed entirely on location in Rome?
A: While much of The First Omen was filmed on location in Rome, including the use of Villa Parisi and other historical sites, some scenes, particularly the dungeon-like basement, were filmed on sound stages built specifically for the movie. The production team combined real locations and sets to create the final look of the film.
