‘Abigail’ Review – An Unexpected Blood-Soaked Smash

Synopsis: After a group of would-be criminals kidnap the 12-year-old ballerina daughter of a powerful underworld figure, all they have to do to collect a $50 million ransom is watch the girl overnight. In an isolated mansion, the captors start to dwindle, one by one, and they discover, to their mounting horror, that they’re locked inside with no normal little girl.

If you can avoid it, never do anything out of desperation driven by greed. Desperation will have you doing and agreeing to do things you would never do. It’ll have you out of character or perhaps this is who you truly are. You could end up in unsavory flight logs, making deals with enemies, or in the clutches of a cute kid who is going to rip your throat out with their teeth. Life is about moments and choices. You always have a choice, however, the options are not always going to be in your favor. If you live too much in the moment, a decision may be made for you. Therefore, you must remain alert and aware but enjoy what you can. Time is precious and life is fleeting. You don’t have time to undo all the choices, so choose wisely.

“His head fell off.”

What happens when seven strangers are picked to be in a house, work together, stay for 24 hours, and unbeknownst to the others, one of them is a vampire? Find out what happens when people stop being polite and start losing their shit. Directed by Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett, Abigail is an unexpected blood-soaked smash. If you didn’t catch it, that intro paid homage to the MTV classic reality series, The Real World. Random, you say? At first glance, perhaps. However, look at the image below and tell me it doesn’t look like a move-in day on a reality show. As this seemingly random team of individually skilled professionals successfully kidnaps a child, hands over their phones, is given fake names, and is told they can’t leave, I began to experience the last remnants of reality phenomenon as they began to flirt and attempt to figure each other out. Initially, only tense due to the swirling mystery around who they are extorting money from and general unfamiliarity, the film becomes somewhat of a comedy. The humor flows effortlessly between Angus Cloud, Kathryn Newton, and Kevin Durand as each character has secrets and distinct character traits.

Comedy aside, once this crew finds themselves in shock and blood-curdling fear, this delightfully unconventional vampire flick shows its fangs. While maintaining the comedic demeanor and timing it establishes early on, the film levels the scale with blood-spattering gore and butt-clenching scares. From body contortion, and unique sets of fangs to its self-awareness, besides a more aesthetically gothic house, all of the horror aspects are accounted for and thriving. Unlike most blood-sucking cinema, Abigail takes place in a reality like ours where properties such as Twilight and Nosferatu exist, resulting in some humorous and heart-pounding moments as they recall how to kill a vampire. Abigail is undeniably entertaining and all thrill and no fill. Featuring incredibly enticing and unpredictable twists and turns, this raucous Radio Silence roller coaster is one you don’t want to miss.

“Junkies never share candy.”

Besides the fantastically absurd and unhinged nature of a 12-year-old ballerina vampire who will grace you with a pirouette and a smile before she disembodies you, the film has an abundance of heart to keep it mostly grounded. With themes of trust and motherhood sprinkled in, you get that ravenous fix of substance while continuing to dig into the gory sweets. And I think it’s official, solidified, and stamped, Melissa Barrera is our new final girl. She’s able to balance motherly, badass, and looking cool as hell covered in blood. Who knew the pairing of her and the magnificent and terrifying Alisha Weir would work so well?

We’re having fun at the movies again and if you haven’t been in a while, Abigail is the perfect reintroduction to theater excitement. You’ll laugh, you’ll jump, and ultimately, you’ll have a hell of a time. It’s always positive when you can have a good time and the movie is having a good time with you. The cast is outstanding and next to the performances, the writing and direction are what make the story work so well. There’s charm and sophistication, and it doesn’t take itself too seriously. But also, bodies will be hitting the floor. So, treat yourself and go have a bloody good time. Its rewatchability is high.

Pace & Pop

Catching your attention from its opening moments, it’s clear that the film is going to be paced well. Abigail didn’t come to sit around and observe the world, it came to entertain and it does just that. What popped for me was Abigail herself. Not only was the performance by Alisha Weir mindblowing but the way her arc unfolds and how she decides to do what she does is impressive.

Characters & Chemistry

Starring: MELISSA BARRERA, ALISHA WEIR, DAN STEVENS, KATHRYN NEWTON, WILL CATLETT, KEVIN DURAND, ANGUS CLOUD, MATTHEW GOODE, GIANCARLO ESPOSITO

Firstly, RIP to the dope and indelible Angus Cloud. His chill stoner vibe paired with his character’s curiosity and confidence sets the tone early on. This ensemble is outstanding. The chemistry is effortless. Everyone involved is seamlessly able to pair with one another at any moment. Their all supposed to be strangers but comfortability of the banter and the shenanigans make them feel like family. It helps comfort the audience before things get crazy. As I said previously, Melissa Barrera is the chosen one. Her brand of softness and grit propel each performance above everyone else. Dan Stevens impresses as he balances leader and scumbag with wit and intimidation. Kathryn Newton is going to be a crowd favorite as Sammy. The look, the line delivery, and the goofiness all work incredibly well. Kevin Durand is the constant comic relief as the less than genius, muscle of the crew. A towering stature and comedic timing is always a hit. Will Catlett is the only sane one and the most mysterious. He plays really well off of Barrera. No one is smoother than Giancarlo Esposito. Unfortunately, he is in the film a great deal. And lastly, we have Alisha Weir who I’ve mentioned before. I can’t say enough about how impressed I was by her performance. Specifically, the elevator scene. She is going to be a huge star sooner rather than later.

Abigail releases in theaters on April 19, 2024. Stay safe and hide in the sunlight.

Rated: R Runtime: 1h 49m Directors: MATT BETTINELLI-OLPIN & TYLER GILLETT Writers: STEPHEN SHIELDS and GUY BUSICK Producers: WILLIAM SHERAK, JAMES VANDERBILT, PAUL NEINSTEIN, TRIPP VINSON, CHAD VILLELLA Executive Producers: RON LYNCH, MACDARA KELLEHER Director of Photography: AARON MORTON NZC Production Designer: SUSIE CULLEN Costume Designer: GWEN JEFFARES Music: BRIAN TYLER Editor: MICHAEL P. SHAWVE