However, The Omen's relative shortcomings as a horror film are more than overcome by its story structure and characters. The deaths of each character are foretold in a way that, even if it doesn't exactly hold up under scrutiny, is intriguing and suspenseful. The best thing about The Omen, however, is the web of personalities that surround Damien. The motives of the characters are fascinating--the ones protecting the life of a child are in fact perpetrating the worst kind of evil, whether they know it or not, and the people who are trying to do the work of God can do so only by destroying a little boy. And then there are those who are involved only to save themselves. The fascinating characters and the quite good performances by the actors who portray them are the most positive aspects to the film.