The Omen (2006)

Director: John Moore

Starring: Liev Schreiber, Julia Stiles, Seamus Davey-Fitzpatrick

An American official realizes that his young son may literally be the Devil incarnate.

‘The Omen’ is a remake of the 1976 version. I understand a remake should be true to the original, but this film is so similar, it’s almost a copy/paste of the original – just with better photography and editing. It once again proves evil can come in small packages, too. I actually prefer this modernized version to the original.

If you’ve seen the original film, there’s hardly any explaining to do with this version. It tells the story of Robert Thorn (Liev Schreiber) who’s child is born dead. His wife Katherine (Julia Stiles) doesn’t know, so on recommendation from a priest, Robert takes another child – who’s mother died giving birth – as his own. And so an orphaned child is presented to Katherine as her son. As Damien gets older, though, Katherine feels more distant from him.

As it turns out, young Damien is the Devil’s son – yes, quite literally according to the film. Strange events start occurring at Damien’s sixth birthday, and shortly afterwards a photographer, Keith Jennings (David Thewlis) approaches Robert with disturbing images.

With Robert aware of the fact Damien is not his son, him and Keith start investigating the child, and I loved this mystery adventure element. I found Keith to be the film’s most interesting character. Father Brennan, who was present during Damien’s birth, also comes forward warning Robert of danger.

There are quite a few twists and reveals, resulting in a suspenseful film with a nail-biting climax. I really enjoy this movie, and like the casting choices.

‘The Omen’ earned $120 million on a budget of $25 million.

Would I watch it again? Yes.