Horror Movie Review: Abigail (2024)

Abigail is a 2024 American horror comedy film directed by Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett, and written by Stephen Shields and Guy Busick.

Young 12-year-old ballet dancer Abigail (Alisha Weir) is abducted by six criminals and taken to the secluded Wilhelm Manor. Before leaving, their host Lambert (Giancarlo Esposito) instructs them to guard Abigail for 24 hours. At which point they will receive an equal share of a $50 million ransom paid by her father. The group, all of whom use fake names to avoid identifying each other, consists of former Army medic and recovering drug addict Joey (Melissa Barrera), former NYPD detective Frank (Dan Stevens), thrill-seeking hacker Sammy (Kathryn Newton, former Marine sniper Rickles (Will Catlett), dimwitted mob enforcer Peter (Kevin Durand), and sociopathic driver Dean (Angus Cloud).

Though reluctant to continue with the plan as she was unaware the target was a child, Joey is tasked with managing Abigail. Joey is sympathetic to her, sharing that she has a son and promising to protect Abigail from harm. Abigail admits her father does not care about her and will not pay the ransom, before apologizing for what is going to happen to Joey. Perturbed by Abigail’s words, Frank violently confronts her, learning that her father is Kristof Lazaar, a powerful, almost mythical crime lord.

After unsuccessfully flirting with Sammy, Dean enters the basement where he is attacked by an unseen assailant. Investigating his screams, Sammy finds Dean’s decapitated corpse. The group realize that Lazaar’s legendarily violent enforcer Valdez must be inside the house. They try to leave, but the home’s security system seals it, preventing escape. While looking for a way out, Rickles is mutilated and killed. The group confronts Abigail for information, but she transforms into a vampire, revealing she is Valdez. Frank shoots Abigail, but when her injuries instantly heal, the group flees.

Can they still survive this night or are they totally boned? Watch and find out.

Abigail is set up pretty decently, fairly original but still a bit predictable. It’s clear from the offset that there’s something unusual about the girl.

The effects are great and some very fun gore in the mix too. The title star (Alisha Weir) is particularly talented considering her age. However, everyone plays their (albeit stereotypical) roles well and effectively. It’s tricky though because I’m not sure if I should be rooting for someone? Which is better, a group of child kidnappers or an ancient vampire trapping humans for sport…

I’ve watched a lot of vampire movies so it was enjoyable that Abigail had a slightly different take on them. Dan Stevens was giving shades of Bill Paxton in Near Dark after he got turned, which was fun and I would’ve liked to have seen more of that.

Overall, Abigail is a fun popcorn horror. I didn’t take it too seriously and neither should you. Just enjoy the ride and the little pieces of originality here and there.