Abigail (2024) Review

If you watched the trailer for Abigail, and you’ve watched a few horror films in your time you’re likely to fall into one of two camps:

• I know exactly how this is going to play out – I’ll pass on this one.
• I know exactly how this is going to play out – I’ll watch it anyway and hope it’s fun (though predictable).

Spoiler trailer aside, in Abigail directors Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett (directors of Scream, Scream VI and Ready or Not) craft a chilling and twisted narrative that seamlessly blends elements of crime-thriller tension with the supernatural horror of vampire mythology. Set against the backdrop of an isolated mansion and propelled by a talented cast, the film delivers a visceral and atmospheric experience that keeps audiences excited from start to finish.

At the heart of the film lies its immediately enticing premise: a group of criminals, brought together by the enigmatic Lambert (played with icy command by Giancarlo Esposito), find themselves trapped in a nightmarish game of survival after kidnapping the titular character, Abigail (portrayed with eerie grace by Alisha Weir). Unbeknownst to them, Abigail is no ordinary victim—she is a vampire, and her true nature sets the stage for a harrowing battle for survival within the confines of the mansion.

From the outset, directors Bettinelli-Olpin and Gillett establish a heavy sense of dread that persists throughout every frame of the film. The abandoned mansion becomes a character in its own right, its shadowy corridors and blood-stained chambers serving as a haunting backdrop for the unfolding terror. Cinematographer Aaron Morton masterfully captures the eerie beauty of the setting, using light and shadow to create a consistently foreboding, confined space that plays host to the bloody carnage.

As the night wears on and the body count rises, Abigail unleashes a series of gruesome set pieces that are as bloody and shocking as they are exhilarating. Practical effects work in tandem with Brian Tyler’s haunting score to create moments of squeal-inducing terror. Whether it’s a tense standoff between Abigail and her captors or a frenetic chase through the mansion’s darkened halls, the film delivers thrills aplenty.

Central to the film’s appeal is the performances of its cast, led by Melissa Barrera as Joey, the de facto ‘good guy’ of the criminal group. Barrera infuses Joey with a steely determination and vulnerability that make her a compelling protagonist amidst the chaos. Opposite her, Dan Stevens delivers a standout performance as Frank, a former detective with a dark past and a cunning intellect. Their cat-and-mouse dynamic drives much of the film’s tension, keeping audiences guessing.

Supporting performances from Kathryn Newton, Will Catlett, Kevin Durand, and the late Angus Cloud round out the cast, each actor bringing depth and nuance to their respective roles. Esposito commands the screen as Lambert, the enigmatic puppet master pulling the strings behind the scenes. Throughout he adds an extra layer of menace to the proceedings, raising the stakes to new heights.

One of the film’s most striking elements is its exploration of character dynamics within the pressure cooker environment of the mansion. As tensions rise and alliances shift, the true nature of each character is revealed, leading to moments of shocking betrayal and unexpected heroism. And it is these elements which manage to steer the initially predictable idea in different directions, adding twists and surprising elements. The script, penned by Stephen Shields and Guy Busick, deftly navigates these character arcs, keeping audiences engaged and invested in the fate of each flawed player.

Some comparissons can be drawn to the other killer little girl (that isn’t really a little girl), which graced our screens last year – M3GAN. Guards are dropped by this seemingly innocent child figure before all hell breaks lose. And in Abigail, it breaks loose in the bloodiest way possible with the gore dialled right up, leaving it’s PG-13 counterpart in the shade.

While Abigail delivers plenty of shocks and scares, it is not without its flaws. The pacing occasionally falters, particularly in the film’s middle act, where the tension threatens to plateau. Additionally, some of the plot twists may still feel predictable to seasoned horror fans, robbing certain moments of their intended impact.

Abigail is a visceral and atmospheric blood-soaked ballet of horror that delivers on its promises of gore and terror. With a talented cast, a gripping screenplay, and stylish direction, it offers a fresh take on the vampire genre while paying homage to classic horror tropes. While it may not reinvent the wheel, Abigail is a thrilling ride that will leave audiences both satisfied and entertained.

Movie Rating:

Abigail trailer