The First Power

The First Power is a supernatural crime thriller from the early 90's, released in 1990, to be precise. Directed by Robert Resnikoff, it stars a talented troupe of actors that includes Lou Diamond Phillips, Tracy Griffith, and Jeff Kober.

Lou Diamond Phillips plays the role of a Los Angeles detective named Russell Logan. He's a hard-boiled cop, specializing in tracking and apprehending serial killers. In his multi-faceted role, Phillips convincingly portrays the determination, resoluteness, and vulnerability of a detective who is tasked with combating not only his own demons, but also a malevolent entity that transcends the boundaries of our perceived reality.

As the plot thickens, we find Detective Logan hot on the trial of a maniac serial killer and satanic worshipper named Patrick Channing, portrayed masterly by Jeff Kober. Channing is notorious for his chilling murder practices, branding his victims with a Satanic symbol, thereby earning the sinister nickname "The Pentagram Killer". Kober’s portrayal of the unhinged killer effortlessly sends chills down the viewers' spines, and his intense performance strengthens the eerie and suspenseful atmosphere of the movie.

Det. Logan is successful in apprehending Channing, but he begins to question if the justice system will be enough to stop a killer who seemingly draws power from dark, supernatural forces. His fears are confirmed when, post Channing's execution, a series of murders begin to occur following the same grisly ceremonial practices of the Pentagram Killer. With Channing's spirit free to roam and seemingly more powerful than ever, the struggle against this supernatural murderer and the Satanic powers he wields persists.

Joining Logan on his perilous journey is the beautiful psychic Tess Seaton, played by Tracy Griffith. Tess has the ability to communicate with the spirit world, a trait that proves crucial in tracking down the now spectral Channing. As the duo delve deeper into the spiritual world to fight the recurring horror, Tess and Det. Logan form an intense bond. Griffith brings a presence of calmness and courage to her role, effectively countering the turbulence and terror brought on by Kober's Channing.

Despite its crime thriller label, The First Power borrows elements from horror and supernatural genres to create a truly unsettling setting. The movie successfully integrates these action, horror and supernatural elements, resulting in a multi-layered, thriller experience. Its storytelling is packed with suspense, complemented by a grim and chilling atmosphere, often punctuated by unexpected twists that keep viewers at the edge of their seats.

Touched by an eerie but captivating score composed by Stewart Copeland, the film wraps viewers in an auditory experience that enhances the chilling atmosphere. The high-stakes cat-and-mouse game between Logan and Channing’s ghost is brilliantly interspersed with scenes of spiritual summonings and exorcism rituals, which add a sense of the otherworldly to the ground realities of a police detective's job.

However, at its core, The First Power is not simply a horror or supernatural thriller - it's a journey of redemption and reformation for Det. Logan. The struggles and conflicts he confronts bring a degree of depth to his character that transcends the traditional ‘tough cop’ image. This internal journey is brilliantly depicted by Phillips, providing an emotional depth to the narrative.

Strong performances from Kober, Griffith, and especially Phillips, deliver a thrilling cinematic experience that takes viewers on a gripping journey filled with suspense, horror and even a hint of romance. The First Power is more than just a crime thriller - it's a battle for the soul, both in the literal and metaphorical sense, charged with intense action sequences and a deeply intriguing plot that holds you until the very end. All in all, it's a must-watch for those who enjoy their thrillers tinged with horror and the supernatural.