Abigail
review by Bobby Blakey
When directors Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett, also known as Radio Silence, brought fans the great horror flick Ready or Not it thrust them into the limelight and led to them taking over the Scream franchise with both Scream and Scream VI. Now they are taking on a different kind of horror for their latest film Abigail starring Melissa Barrera, Dan Stevens, Alisha Weir, Kathryn Newton, William Catlett, Kevin Durand, Angus Cloud and Giancarlo Esposito. Could this film deliver the promised gory fun, or will it be a performance not worth staying for?
Abigail follows a group of would-be criminals who kidnap the 12-year-old ballerina daughter of a powerful underworld figure and 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.
The overall initial tone of the film reminded me of Ready or Not and even the house they end up in kept that same aesthetic while still feeling like its own thing. I have been eagerly waiting to see this film and the initial set up had me a bit concerned as it felt like it kind of dragged and wasn’t really getting anywhere. This is likely due to my anticipation of what was to come and just getting impatient because the film kicks all kinds of ass.
Once get passed the initial set up and things start moving the film is most excellent. It brings plenty of twists and turns to keep you guessing where it’s heading as well as laughs, horror and gallons of blood. The entire cast are great, each bringing their own interesting persona to the table and allowing the audience to relate differently to each of them and their circumstances. Of them all its Alisha Weir as Abigail that steals the show.
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With her character’s namesake being the focal point of the film, she obviously needs to deliver, but I think she goes above and beyond. From the innocent victim to the blood thirsty killer, she is outstanding in the role. Every moment she is on screen both killing or just talking is the highlight of the film. She goes all in fully pulling you into her insanity with beautifully awkward ballet moments within the kills and blood-soaked chaos that she seems to relish in.
I kept hearing how bloody this movie was, but early on the kills were fun but kind of tame making me think this might be all talk. That is until they unleashed the violent fun and the blood was everywhere for the most of the film. From people drooling it out to spraying kills to full on body explosions there is no shortage of blood that will no doubt keep the gorehounds smiling from ear to bloody ear.
I ended up loving this film as I thought I might and cannot wait to revisit it once again. They even have left an element intact that we could revisit this world should they decide to. Either way it is a must see for the blood soaked horror fans.
In addition to the film, this release offers up bonus content including deleted & extended scenes, gag reel, commentary, featurettes and so much more. Step into the horrors of the house with Abigail available now on Blu-ray, DVD and digital as well as streaming now on Peacock from Universal Home Entertainment.