Director Behind One of the Best Modern Studio-Horror Movies Is Heading to A24

There once was a time when big movie studios would pump out moderately budgeted horror films from younger directors with their point of view worn proudly on their sleeves. The studio would end up making a bunch of money, and the directors would move on to more original projects, having proven their ability. These days, there’s often the reverse, with directors making original films only to move on to studio-driven IP. That was not the case with The First Omen.

Released in 2024, The First Omen was a prequel to the first Omen, and if you’ve ever had to explain that to someone, you’ll know it basically turns into a rendition of Who’s on First. Richard Donner’s 1976 film The Omen was a huge success that spawned a franchise. There are plenty of people who think it is untouchable. I enjoy that film, and I love Richard Donner, but The First Omen eats its lunch and then some.

Not only is the prequel an incredibly tense and terrifying film, but it is gorgeous to look at and littered with thematic visuals. Nell Tiger Free plays the lead nun in the film and gives a remarkable performance, which includes an unbroken shot toward the end that should be talked about more often. Some elements of the story are a little predictable, and the very end feels like an MCU post-credits scene (my Dad loved that part), but the movie is an incredible modern horror, and the director, Arkasha Stevenson, is moving on.

Stevenson was a photojournalist, which makes a lot of sense, given the incredible visuals throughout The First Omen. After that, she directed a couple of short films, working with her writing partner, Tim Smith, and some episodes of television. Her turn with the spawn of the devil was her first feature. That’s insane! It’s dripping with confidence and style, and, aside from the last few moments, feels free of studio interference.

Now, Stevenson and Smith are making an as-of-now untitled horror film for A24. There’s no direct description yet, but the film is supposedly about a bachelor party that goes horribly wrong. The cast is rumored to include Josh Hutcherson, Frank Dillane, Caleb Landry Jones, and Whitmer Thomas. The whole package feels like one of the most exciting announcements regarding horror films in recent memory.

When you watch The First Omen, you’re seeing a voice and vision that stands out despite potential studio restrictions. She made a film that is a direct response to the overturning of Roe v. Wade and does not shy away from that message in the slightest. She did that for 20th Century Studios. Disney. Imagine what she’ll do at A24, where artists are usually given significantly more freedom. Count me the heck in.