The First Power

The First Power begins as a police thriller about Russell Logan, a Los Angeles detective tracking the Pentagram Killer. An anonymous caller provides the lead that allows Logan to capture Patrick Channing, asking only that he prevent the murderer’s execution. Logan breaks that promise, and Channing dies in the gas chamber—apparently achieving the satanic transformation for which his crimes were preparation.

When the killings resume, psychic Tess Seaton reveals that she was the caller and warns Logan that Channing can return through vulnerable hosts. The detective initially treats her as a suspect, but impossible encounters force him to accept that ordinary police methods cannot contain an enemy with supernatural abilities. Their pursuit moves through Los Angeles as Channing uses possession, visions and physical violence to continue his campaign. Written and directed by Robert Resnikoff, the film combines serial-killer procedural, occult horror and action. Lou Diamond Phillips leads opposite Tracy Griffith as Tess and Jeff Kober as Channing, with Mykelti Williamson as Logan’s partner. Stewart Copeland composed the score.