The First Power (1990)

The First Power is the kind of lean, punchy early-’90s genre mash-up that grabs you by the collar and doesn’t let go: a street-level cop thriller that suddenly tilts into full-blown supernatural horror without losing its gritty L.A. pulse. Lou Diamond Phillips sells the detective’s stubborn drive with real conviction, while Jeff Kober brings a chilling, sneering menace that makes the villain feel less like a slasher gimmick and more like a nightmare that learned new tricks. Director Robert Resnikoff keeps the pace brisk and the tension tight, building set pieces that are nasty, energetic fun in that satisfyingly trashy B-movie way—serious enough to be creepy, pulpy enough to be a blast. It’s not for the squeamish or anyone allergic to occult themes and grim violence, but if you want a fast, mean little thriller with a paranormal hook and a committed cast, it’s an easy recommendation.

The First Power is clearly trying to mash up a hard-boiled cop thriller with supernatural horror, and on paper a resurrecting, body-hopping serial killer is a solid hook. The problem is the execution: the plot leans heavily on clichés and convenient “rules” that feel made up on the spot, so the tension it builds early on starts to evaporate into repetition. It’s also a grim watch, with graphic murder imagery and some very ugly backstory elements that can feel more like shock tactics than meaningful storytelling. If you enjoy scrappy, early-’90s genre hybrids and can ride with pulpy logic, Lou Diamond Phillips’ committed lead performance and a few nasty set-pieces may be enough; if you want tight writing, sustained suspense, or tasteful handling of dark subject matter, this one will likely irritate more than it thrills.