87 recensioni
As a particularly opinionated connoisseur of the horror genre, I fully recommend this version of dark prophesy and the emergence of the Anti-Christ. While far from perfect, many things are done extremely well at this early point (seven episodes) of the series.
I'm a fan of serious horror movies like Rosemary's Baby, Exorcist III, Jacob's Ladder, (the wildly underestimated 2005) Stay, and the Omen films from which this show draws inspiration. There are seeds of all of these films present in Damien - with minimal jump scares, frequent disorientation, and a wonderful atmosphere of growing terror.
Damien continues the legacy of the Omen movies, and does so utilizing footage directly from the first classic for story development. Anyone who has seen the Omen knows there are truly memorable moments that have earned a place in the lexicon of the horror genre. Damien lives up to the best parts of these films and is a fine example of the current era of great television. The brief synopsis is all one needs to know: Damien Thorn, a man who has been drawn to the darkness of humanity his whole life, but somehow is always protected from physical harm, must come to terms with the growing reality of his true identity, the Anti-Christ.
Production is solid, with top marks given to lighting. Darkness, strong shadows, and contrast are always present, at times unrealistically - but there is consistency to the look and feel that adds to the unsettling nature.
Casting is also excellent. Everyone is convincing, including the two leads, who were clearly cast for both ability and photogenic qualities. Damien's best friend may be the weakest link, but this speaks to the strength of the major players as a whole, because he's pretty good! Barbara Hershey and Scott Wilson have to be the real treat. Both are right at home, delivering top notch performances. Hershey emotes the love of a mother with truly sinister flair, and Wilson channels his best Donald Pleasence. Without this cast and their hard work, this show could easily be half as good. To this point, this show is certainly not for everyone. Some who can not suspend disbelief may find Damien tedious, even laughable. I too laugh aloud at moments, perhaps when I shouldn't - but I've always been like this with serious horror films, having a certain glee absorbing unspeakable content.
And what wonderful content! This show is not politically correct - throwing religious practice, emergency rooms, psychiatric wards, and military veterans hospitals all under the bus. Damien is not made to do any public service, but to entertain, and I applaud the unflinching approach. Meta scores be damned! Clearly this show is made for audience approval and not reviewers, who have become difficult to trust without first forming one's own opinion.
This is just the beginning too! With time to grow into multiple seasons Damien could really be special, and find a singular place. There is plenty of horror schlock, and murder saturated TV, but a serious supernatural thriller should have a place. Thank you A&E (didn't think I'd be saying that!).
Impressed and eagerly anticipating more, 8 out of 10
I'm a fan of serious horror movies like Rosemary's Baby, Exorcist III, Jacob's Ladder, (the wildly underestimated 2005) Stay, and the Omen films from which this show draws inspiration. There are seeds of all of these films present in Damien - with minimal jump scares, frequent disorientation, and a wonderful atmosphere of growing terror.
Damien continues the legacy of the Omen movies, and does so utilizing footage directly from the first classic for story development. Anyone who has seen the Omen knows there are truly memorable moments that have earned a place in the lexicon of the horror genre. Damien lives up to the best parts of these films and is a fine example of the current era of great television. The brief synopsis is all one needs to know: Damien Thorn, a man who has been drawn to the darkness of humanity his whole life, but somehow is always protected from physical harm, must come to terms with the growing reality of his true identity, the Anti-Christ.
Production is solid, with top marks given to lighting. Darkness, strong shadows, and contrast are always present, at times unrealistically - but there is consistency to the look and feel that adds to the unsettling nature.
Casting is also excellent. Everyone is convincing, including the two leads, who were clearly cast for both ability and photogenic qualities. Damien's best friend may be the weakest link, but this speaks to the strength of the major players as a whole, because he's pretty good! Barbara Hershey and Scott Wilson have to be the real treat. Both are right at home, delivering top notch performances. Hershey emotes the love of a mother with truly sinister flair, and Wilson channels his best Donald Pleasence. Without this cast and their hard work, this show could easily be half as good. To this point, this show is certainly not for everyone. Some who can not suspend disbelief may find Damien tedious, even laughable. I too laugh aloud at moments, perhaps when I shouldn't - but I've always been like this with serious horror films, having a certain glee absorbing unspeakable content.
And what wonderful content! This show is not politically correct - throwing religious practice, emergency rooms, psychiatric wards, and military veterans hospitals all under the bus. Damien is not made to do any public service, but to entertain, and I applaud the unflinching approach. Meta scores be damned! Clearly this show is made for audience approval and not reviewers, who have become difficult to trust without first forming one's own opinion.
This is just the beginning too! With time to grow into multiple seasons Damien could really be special, and find a singular place. There is plenty of horror schlock, and murder saturated TV, but a serious supernatural thriller should have a place. Thank you A&E (didn't think I'd be saying that!).
Impressed and eagerly anticipating more, 8 out of 10
- urthpainter
- 1 mag 2016
- Permalink
I have confidence in Glen Mazzara's creation of this series, even if the critics out there trashing it, do not. One critic went so far as to say he would never give this show another chance after viewing the pilot. What tripe and how close minded. I gave Hannibal a chance, a re-working of another well-known character, and was richly rewarded. I intend to give this series a shot, let it unfold and see how it hits me, as a big fan of the 1976 Richard Donner film from which it draws thematically and musically. What I like about the pilot episode: the modern updating, the acting, the music, and not making Damien good or bad but basically innocent until his 30th birthday (why, I will leave for you to discover), upon which he must start grappling with horrific memories of his long-past childhood.
It makes no sense for Damien to start out evil in this show, as that leaves his character nowhere to go. What I hope will be explored is if the nature of evil, whether you believe in Revelation/the Bible or not, is a growth, a given, a concept that can be overcome, or something you ultimately must submit to and revel in as your true nature. And that conflict, the gray area, is much more interesting to me. This series will sink or swim, based on its ability to draw out that narrative. And in just viewing the pilot, I think it has a lot of possibility.
It makes no sense for Damien to start out evil in this show, as that leaves his character nowhere to go. What I hope will be explored is if the nature of evil, whether you believe in Revelation/the Bible or not, is a growth, a given, a concept that can be overcome, or something you ultimately must submit to and revel in as your true nature. And that conflict, the gray area, is much more interesting to me. This series will sink or swim, based on its ability to draw out that narrative. And in just viewing the pilot, I think it has a lot of possibility.
- tonya-jarrett
- 7 mar 2016
- Permalink
I have just finished watching the first episode of Damien and enjoyed it overall, unfortunately let down slightly by poor acting from Tiffany Hines and Megalyn Echikunwoke who both had the emotional range of a brick but Bradley James was good ( I mean I never expect top notch acting but surely an actress should be able to conjure a few tears when called for ). The use of footage from the original film was well used and gave us just enough to jog the memory without having to watch it.
But if you have not seen the original film then get watching but don't watch any of the others ( just don't! its not pretty ). So Overall 7 out of 10 for episode one.
But if you have not seen the original film then get watching but don't watch any of the others ( just don't! its not pretty ). So Overall 7 out of 10 for episode one.
- gurumother
- 12 mar 2016
- Permalink
I liked it. I always expect first episodes to be pretty bland but I found myself invested enough to watch it straight through (no stopping for reedit breaks or from losing interest for a bit). The main actor is solid, the tension felt good and not forced or fake, and pacing was nice for a pilot. Also, A&E doesn't seem afraid of letting things get a bit graphic. It's not Hannibal levels, though it would be pretty cool if it got close to that point, but someone got messed up pretty good. It's nothing spectacular but it seems like its got a lot of promise. I'll definitely give it more than my usual 4-5 episode limit to see how it progresses because it's definitely caught my interest.
- cristiancovrig
- 7 mar 2016
- Permalink
First, I'm really mad! Beside all the crappy shows on TV, that people find interesting and I can't figure it out why. They cancel one of the best in a long time!? Damien had a real potential and was much better then The omen and other movies in the omen franchise. It was much more complex, mysteries and row, and although it was based on the movie, it was original and unique. Of course the show wasn't perfect, but it also wasn't so bad as a lot of people said it was. Actors did a really great job, especially Bradley James and Barbara Hershey. Bradley James brought the new meaning on being the Antichrist, he wasn't just like I'm the Antichrist and that is it, but showed that even evil incarnated has a human in it and even Antichrist can suffer accepting his faith. And his American accent was amazing, I would never said he was British. And Barbara Hershey did a really good job making Ann Rutledge a real disciple totally dedicated to serve and protect Damien and it seems like she wants for her and Damien to be together forever and her believe that she is his mother, and nothing or nobody better cross her way protecting her little ˝angel˝. I think if the show centered more on the relationship between Damien and Ann Rutledge, It would be a lot more interesting kind of Norman Bates situation but reversed, here the ˝son˝ would call the shots. I don't know if anyone knows a real crime case of Stewart Northcott, but that case shows mother-son relationship that I mean.
Well long story short. It's a real shame that Damien was cancelled after one season and I'm sorry more people didn't find the show interesting. The show acquires a certain taste and not many have it.
Well long story short. It's a real shame that Damien was cancelled after one season and I'm sorry more people didn't find the show interesting. The show acquires a certain taste and not many have it.
- annaleighbaymont
- 5 giu 2016
- Permalink
I think the title says it all!
The actors are very good, i think most of them did a very good job (i don't like Damien that much because i had a crush on Sam Neill, but it's a me problem).
The pacing is good, there aren't too many filling moments and the series is overall entertaining.
Sadly the plot and the script are a bit lame, so i can't give a higer rating.
- borgolarici
- 13 apr 2019
- Permalink
I am quite amazed as I didn't expect a TV series to take over from the first two films in the Omen series so well.
The characters are very well cast and played. The plot is very believable (that is if you thought Omen was). The confusion of Damien as to who he is or may be is credible.
So what more to say ? I look forward to each episode and have waited four episodes before writing this review just to make sure it really does work.
It uses some clips from the movie to add to the credibility of the story and does it very well.
The acting and directing are very very solid and well worth watching.
If you hadn't guessed I think this is a very good series and I hope it has many many years to run.
The characters are very well cast and played. The plot is very believable (that is if you thought Omen was). The confusion of Damien as to who he is or may be is credible.
So what more to say ? I look forward to each episode and have waited four episodes before writing this review just to make sure it really does work.
It uses some clips from the movie to add to the credibility of the story and does it very well.
The acting and directing are very very solid and well worth watching.
If you hadn't guessed I think this is a very good series and I hope it has many many years to run.
- jonnithomas
- 6 apr 2016
- Permalink
- Aurora2025
- 1 mag 2016
- Permalink
Loved the Omen so I had high hopes for this series. The premier episode wasn't that bad but as the series progressed the story line got weaker ,too predictable and boring as hell !!!As the story goes Damien has grown up to be a clueless yuppie reporter who is more interested in chasing after black tail than bringing hell on earth.He is just too dumb and nice to be the Antichrist .The rest of the cast walks a gray line between good and evil leaving viewers indifferent or bored out of their minds. The only cast members saved from this silly parody and
with some great acting skills are the rotties.Hence the 3 stars .I will increase my rating once they manage to chew up the rest of the cast along with the writers and director.
with some great acting skills are the rotties.Hence the 3 stars .I will increase my rating once they manage to chew up the rest of the cast along with the writers and director.
Don't write too many reviews, but on this one had to - guess it's my way of putting out into the universe - please don't cancel! Don't know too many people who watch it, so I am concerned, but I really think it has something after 9 episodes in. Yep, it gets off to a slightly slow start (which wasn't a problem for me personally), and there are some serialized "TV show moments" in the beginning that don't quite work - the death of one main character in the first few episodes, as one reviewer wrote, did seem a little forced - it's forgivable, keep watching. If you were a fan of the original movie(s), you will appreciate the love the creators of this show have for them and how they tie everything in to a modern day story that still stays faithful to the original things to smile, laugh, and be creeped out about - the freakish deaths, the conspiracies, the cabals, the dramatic Gothic Damien 666 music, the killer Rottweilers, that feeling of dread cuz you know it's all going to hell from here. Actor playing Damien is good - does a good job of balancing his confusion and resistance about it all with the rising evil in him (lemme guess without looking, British, right?) And bonuses - Barbara Hershey blessing the show with her immense Jessica Lange-esque presence, and Scott Wilson. All in all, guys from Walking Dead produced this, and I trust their vision and direction so far. And please don't cancel lol
I was expecting this series to be true to its name and genre. You would expect supernatural things. I mean the antichrist all grown up. Remember how sadistic that little kid Damien was?
Well unfortunately this show fails to deliver anything worth my time. It's more geared towards a down-to-earth version of the antichrist, very little emphasis on the supernatural. More of a show about morality and it's gray areas. I don't have anything against the casting or acting. It's just the plot is so boring and weak.
It deserves at least a 6/10 because the cast performs their job well and the show is put together well. The issue is the show fails to deliver to its target audience.
Well unfortunately this show fails to deliver anything worth my time. It's more geared towards a down-to-earth version of the antichrist, very little emphasis on the supernatural. More of a show about morality and it's gray areas. I don't have anything against the casting or acting. It's just the plot is so boring and weak.
It deserves at least a 6/10 because the cast performs their job well and the show is put together well. The issue is the show fails to deliver to its target audience.
- roguecritic42
- 29 mag 2016
- Permalink
The Omen film from 1976 and, to a slightly lesser degree, its sequels, represent some of the best of classic horror.
The films worked firstly because of fantastic storytelling and direction. There's a building sense of ice cold dread and malevolent menace infused in each film that really sets them apart. The other reason they work is excellent casting with top notch performances handed in by stellar actors such as Gregory Peck, Lee Remick and Sam Neil.
To produce a television series that supposedly follows on from these excellent films is either brave or foolhardy. In this case, lamentably, its the latter. Damien the series, suffers, in my opinion, from uninspired storytelling, ordinary direction and ho hum casting. The result is a mediocre affair, that offers up a shallow, rather flat sequel, to at least the first of the three original films.
The series cause is not helped by the unwelcome dash of US exceptional-ism on offer in the first episodes opening scenes, in the form of a rather simplistic take on the conflict in Syria. Something, I would have thought, was best left for the mainstream media political pundits, to squabble over.
If you have not seen the original films, my advice is watch them first and then see how you feel about Damien, the series. My rating, five out of ten.
The films worked firstly because of fantastic storytelling and direction. There's a building sense of ice cold dread and malevolent menace infused in each film that really sets them apart. The other reason they work is excellent casting with top notch performances handed in by stellar actors such as Gregory Peck, Lee Remick and Sam Neil.
To produce a television series that supposedly follows on from these excellent films is either brave or foolhardy. In this case, lamentably, its the latter. Damien the series, suffers, in my opinion, from uninspired storytelling, ordinary direction and ho hum casting. The result is a mediocre affair, that offers up a shallow, rather flat sequel, to at least the first of the three original films.
The series cause is not helped by the unwelcome dash of US exceptional-ism on offer in the first episodes opening scenes, in the form of a rather simplistic take on the conflict in Syria. Something, I would have thought, was best left for the mainstream media political pundits, to squabble over.
If you have not seen the original films, my advice is watch them first and then see how you feel about Damien, the series. My rating, five out of ten.
Damien was a great idea to do as a show. This show ticks all the boxes for me. Would of liked more episodes. Less Ann Rutledge and more about the followers of Damien. I would like more good vs evil battles and more involvement from the Vatican. I would especially like to see more of what the devil can do? How he spends his time and the power he has. I hope there is a second season after all this build up. Please let us know.
Absolutely LOVE THE OPENING MUSIC! If anyone has details please let me know.
Please also sign up for another season !
Absolutely LOVE THE OPENING MUSIC! If anyone has details please let me know.
Please also sign up for another season !
- hippiefishbeachart
- 11 mag 2016
- Permalink
Having watched all three Omens film during my youth, I was a bit reluctant at first whether or not it would be possible to take a classic like that and bring it into the TV-series era. I've watched 10 episodes so far, and I must admit, they've nailed it! Its a thrilling experience from episode 2 and on wards, and the suspense only rises per episode. The TV-Series does a really good job of providing a bit of feedback from the first film into season 1 so it sort of binds it together, and gains a plausible "life" of its own as a TV-series. If you love dark stories, and the everlasting story of good vs evil, where the boundaries are often erased as nothing is truly completely light nor dark, but can be either at any side, you should really take a good look at Damien, which has a lot of gloomy sides.
- sc-946-360048
- 10 mag 2016
- Permalink
Damien relies on the concept of Good VS Evil. The Protagonist we all know is the son of the Antichrist. However in human form he is shielded and protected and given good values. He has turned human but the Antichrist is trying to force him to kill. Death Surrounds him. People die wherever he goes. A Brilliantly executed show. Brilliant acting performances by Barbara Hershey , Bradley James, Omid Abtahi and David Meunier . I still cannot figure out why this show went off air,
- miriam_tierna
- 8 ott 2018
- Permalink
Quality with everything but the writing. Spun its wheels for 8 out of 10 episodes. Sidetracked by BS. Too bad. Had potential. But, made sense to cancel it.
- polarbear-28839
- 14 apr 2021
- Permalink
This show was/is fantastic. I was hooked since the very first episode and thrilled the episodes kept getting even better! I cannot understand all the hate and negative attention this show is getting? Im assuming that the topic of the Antichrist plays a large part of that and people being overly sensitive. The characters are interesting and extremely diverse and well portrayed. Bradley James and Barbara Hershey are especially strong in their roles the story line is intense with creepy, dark undertones and spooky as hell but utterly captivating. This is a show that has so much potential and room to branch out, i definitely will continue to support and hope for season 2. Give it a try!!!
- wezg-97019
- 10 mag 2016
- Permalink
I remember watching Omen as a kid hiding behind the cover and although the Ann Rutledge looks like she wants to seduce Damien every time which is a bit sickening to watch; I'm still just as intrigued as what happens next (and still hiding behind the covers) The dramatic sounds when something bad is about to happen is a bit to much though that I now mute it every time. I understand back in the day the need to dramatise programmes but would have thought it could be modernised a little bit. Still worth a watch though if you can get over the cougar and over dramatic sound effects
- mini_meigh
- 13 mar 2021
- Permalink
War photographer Damien Thorn (Bradley James) has an encounter with a strange old woman in war-torn Damascus on his thirtieth birthday. His ex Kelly Baptiste gets the disturbing story from the old woman. Mysterious benefactor Ann Rutledge (Barbara Hershey) offers her aid although Damien is leery. Amani Golkar (Omid Abtahi) is a fellow photographer. Kelly's sister Simone Baptiste (Megalyn Echikunwoke) assists Damien. People are dying including Kelly. NYPD detective James Shay (David Meunier) investigates.
This one tries to grind out some atmosphere but it is nowhere near anything actually scary. It is pretty boring and rather tiresome. None of the actors really jump out other than Hershey. Basically, somebody wants to make a show about a hot Damien. It also misses the appeal of the original The Omen. It was a creepy-kid movie. He was also learning as he went in the movies. I don't understand why he forgot everything unless it was explained in the show somewhere or it got retcon. The characters aren't appealing. The show struggles to gain momentum.
This one tries to grind out some atmosphere but it is nowhere near anything actually scary. It is pretty boring and rather tiresome. None of the actors really jump out other than Hershey. Basically, somebody wants to make a show about a hot Damien. It also misses the appeal of the original The Omen. It was a creepy-kid movie. He was also learning as he went in the movies. I don't understand why he forgot everything unless it was explained in the show somewhere or it got retcon. The characters aren't appealing. The show struggles to gain momentum.
- SnoopyStyle
- 20 mag 2016
- Permalink
It was everything I was hoping for and more. It caught my interest immediately, kept it through the whole episode, and has me wanting more. Much more. I loved the flashbacks. The reminders of the original movie. The casting is perfect. The background music is perfect. Sad to see rototillers cast as such evil dogs, but at the same time, loved seeing the rotties! (They are probably the sweetest dogs in real life!) Completely loved it. I feel like this show has been made exclusively for me because it is just so perfect (for me). lol I hope there are LOTS of people out there that will love this show also, and keep it going. I would be so sad if this one got cancelled. Can't wait for the next episode! :)
- rottngemma
- 9 mar 2016
- Permalink