Abigail (2024) Movie Review: A Twisted Vampire Thriller That Bites Back
First, a warning: SPOILERS AHEAD! If you haven’t seen Abigail yet, and spoilers bother you, it might be best to come back later. This review dives deep into the plot and reveals crucial details that are impossible to avoid if we want to discuss the film honestly. So, fair warning!
Abigail (2024) is a horror-thriller with a clever twist on the traditional vampire genre, offering an intense ride from start to finish. Directed by Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett, the film keeps audiences on the edge of their seats, blending elements of a classic kidnap caper with supernatural horror. This movie currently holds a 6.7 rating on IMDb, but I’d argue it deserves a solid 7, if not more.
Plot Summary: A Kidnap Caper Gone Terribly Wrong
The film begins as a seemingly straightforward kidnapping plot. A group of criminals is assembled by Lambert (played by the always compelling Giancarlo Esposito), tasked with kidnapping the 12-year-old daughter of a billionaire. The crew is made up of archetypal characters: the boss, the hacker, the muscle, the sniper, the driver, and the medic. Each member is promised $7 million for their part in what appears to be a simple 24-hour job—hold the girl until the ransom is paid, then let her go.
The team, dubbed with “Rat Pack” nicknames (Joey, Frank, Rickles, Sammy, Peter, and Dean), quickly executes the kidnapping. Abigail (played by the remarkable Alisha Weir) is snatched while practicing a solo ballet performance of Swan Lake. The operation is flawless, or so it seems. The girl is sedated, blindfolded, and taken to a secluded mansion, where Lambert leaves the crew to await the ransom.
But the situation takes a dark turn. The crew begins to suspect something isn’t right when strange occurrences start happening within the mansion. The first sign of trouble is when Dean, the driver, is found dead—his head brutally torn off. From here, the film shifts gears from a crime thriller to a full-blown horror film as the crew realizes that Abigail is no ordinary child—she’s a centuries-old vampire.
Character Dynamics and Performances
One of the film’s strengths is its ensemble cast, who bring a unique energy to their roles. Melissa Barrera shines as Joey, the medic, who initially appears to be the moral compass of the group. She shows compassion towards Abigail, even loosening the girl’s restraints—a decision that turns out to be catastrophic. Dan Stevens as Frank, the ex-cop, delivers a gritty performance, embodying a character hardened by his past. William Catlett as Rickles, the sniper, and Kathryn Newton as Sammy, the hacker, round out the crew with solid performances, each adding depth to their roles.
However, it is Alisha Weir who steals the show. She brilliantly portrays Abigail as both a vulnerable child and a terrifying predator. Her ability to switch between these two extremes adds a chilling layer to the film. Abigail’s character is reminiscent of the classic vampire trope, yet with a fresh twist. The film explores the existential dread of being a child vampire, eternally stuck in a prepubescent body, which is as tragic as it is horrifying.
Horror Elements and Cinematic Style
Abigail excels in its horror elements. The film’s atmosphere is thick with tension, thanks in part to its claustrophobic setting within the mansion. The direction by Bettinelli-Olpin and Gillett ensures that the audience never feels safe, mirroring the crew’s descent into chaos as they are picked off one by one.
The special effects and practical makeup used to bring Abigail’s vampiric nature to life are commendable. The film doesn’t shy away from gore, with plenty of blood splatter and gruesome deaths that horror fans will appreciate. The blend of traditional horror with the modern thriller gives Abigail a unique edge, making it stand out in a crowded genre.
Themes and Subtext
Beyond its surface-level thrills, Abigail delves into deeper themes. The film raises questions about the nature of evil, the consequences of greed, and the idea of eternal youth as a curse rather than a blessing. It also plays with the concept of trust within a group of criminals, where alliances shift rapidly under pressure, and no one is truly safe.
The film also doesn’t shy away from injecting humor into its dark narrative. There’s a particularly memorable scene where the crew debates the type of vampire they’re dealing with—Nosferatu or Twilight—providing a brief, albeit darkly comedic, respite from the mounting horror.
Streaming Options: Where to Watch Abigail (2024) Online
For those eager to experience Abigail for themselves, the movie is available on several streaming platforms. As of now, you can watch Abigail (2024) on Amazon Prime Video, where it is available for both rental and purchase. The film can also be streamed on Hulu and Apple TV for similar options. If you prefer a subscription service, it may soon be available on Netflix, as the platform has a history of acquiring similar genre films shortly after their release.
Final Verdict
Abigail (2024) is a film that defies expectations. What starts as a simple kidnapping thriller quickly evolves into a supernatural horror that keeps viewers guessing until the very end. While it may not reinvent the vampire genre, it offers a fresh and entertaining take that’s worth the watch. The performances, particularly by Weir and Esposito, elevate the film, making it more than just a standard genre piece.
If you’re a fan of horror-thrillers with a twist, Abigail is definitely worth checking out. Just be prepared for a few surprises along the way.
