Detailed Summary
The Aftermath of the First Film
Damien: Omen II picks up several years after the events of the original The Omen. Damien is now a teenager living with his wealthy uncle Richard Thorn and aunt Ann in Chicago. He attends a prestigious military academy with his cousin Mark. Although Damien initially seems like a normal boy, strange accidents begin to follow him once again, hinting that his dark destiny is still unfolding.
Damien Begins to Understand Who He Is
A major turning point occurs when several characters who uncover Damien’s identity die in ominous and supernatural ways. Meanwhile, Damien starts to display unsettling knowledge and supernatural insights. One of the film’s most crucial moments happens when Sergeant Neff, a secret follower of the Antichrist, reveals to Damien that he is the Son of Satan. Damien struggles with this revelation, torn between the remnants of youth and the inevitability of his destiny.
Richard Thorn’s Investigation
Richard Thorn slowly begins connecting the dots as deaths pile up around his family. Piecing together archaeological discoveries and warnings from priests and scholars, he comes to the terrifying realization that his nephew is not just troubled—he’s apocalyptic. Richard’s attempts to protect humanity and stop Damien place him in increasing conflict with Ann and with dark forces surrounding Damien.
Mark’s Temptation and Tragedy
One of the film’s most emotional arcs centers on Mark Thorn. When he accidentally learns the truth about Damien, the two boys clash. Mark’s refusal to join Damien seals his fate in a chilling supernatural scene that highlights Damien’s emerging power and lack of remorse.
Movie Ending
The final act builds toward a confrontation between Richard Thorn and Damien. Richard, having fully accepted that Damien is the Antichrist, retrieves the ancient ceremonial dagger needed to kill him.
Richard attempts to attack Damien, who is now confidently embracing his power. However, in a shocking twist, Ann Thorn stops Richard. Ann reveals that she has secretly been a devoted follower of Damien all along. Her betrayal prevents Richard from completing the ritual. Ann takes the dagger from him, but instead of killing Damien, she allows Richard to be shot by police who mistakenly believe he’s attacking a child.
The film ends with Damien stepping out of the burning house, completely unharmed, looking coldly at the bodies of his uncle and aunt. When police arrive, Damien gives them a calm, chilling smile. The boy is now fully committed to his destiny, and all major barriers to his rise have been removed.
It’s an ending that fully cements Damien as the unstoppable Antichrist, setting the tone for the final film in the trilogy.
Are There Post-Credits Scenes?
No, Damien: Omen II does not include any post-credits or mid-credits scenes.
Type of Movie
The film is a supernatural horror thriller with strong religious themes, focusing on prophecy, destiny, and the rise of the Antichrist.
Cast
- Jonathan Scott-Taylor as Damien Thorn
- William Holden as Richard Thorn
- Lee Grant as Ann Thorn
- Lance Henriksen as Sergeant Neff
- Lew Ayres as Bill Atherton
- Sylvia Sidney as Aunt Marion
Film Music and Composer
The chilling and operatic score was composed by Jerry Goldsmith, who won an Academy Award for the first film’s soundtrack. His music in this sequel continues the unsettling choral chanting and ominous motifs that define the series.
Filming Locations
- Chicago, Illinois – Used for its modern American architecture, symbolizing Damien’s transition from English estate life to American high society influence.
- Evanston and Lake Forest – Filming at elite academies and estates reinforced the themes of political power and privilege.
- Israel (brief exterior sequences) – Connected to archaeological and biblical prophecy threads within the story.
These locations help ground the supernatural narrative in a very real and modern world, making the horror feel more plausible and immediate.
Awards and Nominations
While not as critically acclaimed as the first film, Damien: Omen II received recognition for:
- Practical effects and memorable death sequences
- Jerry Goldsmith’s continued musical excellence
However, it did not win major awards.
Behind the Scenes Insights
- Multiple directors were involved early in production; Don Taylor ultimately completed the film.
- William Holden originally turned down the first movie but accepted the sequel after regretting it becoming a major hit.
- Special-effects crews used unusually complex mechanical rigs for the death scenes, especially the elevator and raven attacks.
- Jonathan Scott-Taylor was chosen partly because of his calm, unsettling composure during auditions.
- Some scenes were rewritten on-set to increase Damien’s emotional conflict, though most were cut to speed up pacing.
Inspirations and References
- Based loosely on themes from biblical prophecy, particularly the Book of Revelation.
- Inspired by the French and American fascination with occult thrillers in the 70s.
- Several scenes take cues from gothic literature, especially the corruption-of-innocence trope.
- Continues narrative threads set up in The Omen (1976), expanding the mythology of Damien’s rise.
Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes
- Early drafts included an ending where Damien attempts to escape and is wounded but survives; the released ending is more definitive.
- A deleted scene featured Damien showing compassion to a younger cadet, meant to add nuance, but was cut for pacing and tone.
- Another cut sequence depicted Ann’s involvement with a secret cult more explicitly.
Book Adaptations and Differences
The Omen series had novelizations, but the film isn’t directly adapted from a single pre-existing book. The novelization followed the screenplay, not the other way around. Differences include:
- The book expands Damien’s internal struggle more deeply.
- Several deaths are described with more detail and supernatural elements.
- Ann’s loyalties are hinted at earlier in the novel.
Memorable Scenes and Quotes
Key Scenes
- The raven attack scene, one of the most iconic supernatural moments of the series.
- Mark confronting Damien after learning who he is.
- The ice lake sequence, combining natural danger with demonic influence.
- Richard’s final attempt to kill Damien with the ceremonial dagger.
Iconic Quotes
- “You must accept who you are.” – Sergeant Neff
- “I’m just one man trying to stop the greatest evil on Earth.” – Richard Thorn
- “Why me? Why did it have to be me?” – Mark Thorn
- “I love you, Mark.” (Damien’s chilling emotional manipulation)
Easter Eggs and Hidden Details
- The raven is a symbolic stand-in for demonic influence, appearing subtly before major death scenes.
- Damien often stands in triangular compositions, visually referencing satanic symbols.
- The academy’s crest includes a hidden inverted trinity mark.
- Photographs involving Damien freeze or distort, similar to the first film’s omen-style photography effects.
Trivia
- William Holden insisted on performing some of his own stunts.
- The movie originally had a much darker ending but studio executives pushed for the more dramatic version we know today.
- The elevator death scene was considered too graphic and required edits to avoid a harsher rating.
- This was Lew Ayres’s final film role.
Why Watch?
Because it’s a classic 70s supernatural thriller that mixes psychological tension, creeping dread, and iconic horror imagery. It expands the mythology of the Antichrist story with strong performances and memorable set pieces. Fans of apocalyptic horror or slow-burn supernatural films will find it especially satisfying.
Director’s Other Movies
- Escape from the Planet of the Apes (1971)
- Tom Sawyer (1973)
- The Final Countdown (1980)
- Island of Dr. Moreau (1977)
Recommended Films for Fans
- The Omen (1976)
- The Final Conflict (1981)
- Rosemary’s Baby (1968)
- The Exorcist II: The Heretic (1977)
- The Amityville Horror (1979)
