If there’s one vampire film primed to make waves, it’s Radio Silence’s Abigail, featuring a seemingly sweet ballerina concealing a dark, monstrous side. The film has generated considerable buzz, not just among fans of the Ready or Not directors, but also within the horror community, as the duo behind the latest Scream installments dive into their own Universal Monster feature. With stars like Melissa Barrera, Dan Stevens, and Kathryn Newton, Abigail joins the extensive lineage of monster movies, adding a fresh take on the vampire genre.
For seasoned horror enthusiasts, the premise of kidnapping a monster might seem absurd—just ask the audience at the Overlook Film Festival, where I saw the film’s premiere. However, the crew of Abigail does just that, abducting the young ballerina (Alisha Weir) and taking her to a remote estate, hoping to exchange her for a hefty ransom. As expected, chaos ensues faster than you can say Nosferatu, with plenty of unexpected twists and turns as darkness falls and bodies begin to pile up.
Abigail (2024)
Rated: R
Genre: Horror
Release Date: April 19, 2024
Director: Matt Bettinelli-Olpin, Tyler Gillett
Cast: Kathryn Newton, Dan Stevens, Giancarlo Esposito, Kevin Durand, Melissa Barrera, Alisha Weir, Angus Cloud, William Catlett
Writers: Guy Busick, Stephen Shields
The film blends various subgenres—locked-room mystery, slasher, haunted house, and the quintessential vampire tale—resulting in a sort of sampler platter of horror. This eclectic approach occasionally works to its advantage, especially since the vampire ballerina surprisingly appears less frequently than anticipated. The concept of turning a diverse cast against each other in a manner reminiscent of House on Haunted Hill is both clever and somewhat familiar, particularly given the talent Universal has assembled.
Abigail Cast Brings a Unique Flavor to Horror
Kathryn Newton follows up her underappreciated role in Lisa Frankenstein with her portrayal of Sammy, the tech-savvy yet somewhat naive character, sharing the spotlight for comedic relief with the late Angus Cloud. (It’s a great loss that we won’t see more from Cloud, though his role here is brief yet memorable.) The two, along with Kevin Durand, represent the less serious side of the ensemble, while Barrera and Stevens embody the more grounded characters. Stevens shines as the cunning and unhinged Frank, echoing his standout performances in Legion and The Guest with captivating results.
Abigail excels when it pits Stevens against Weir’s vampire, with both delivering performances of high intensity that elevate the film. Neither hesitates to fully embrace their roles, making Stevens’ departure from typical action hero roles all the more intriguing. The directors, Bettinelli-Olpin and Gillett, also shine when they lean into the film’s gory elements, creating visually striking scenes of vampire carnage.
Melissa Barrera Falls Short as the Final Girl in ‘Abigail’
Unfortunately, Barrera’s performance is a weak spot in an otherwise engaging film. Compared to her co-stars, her portrayal feels flat and uninspired, lacking the depth and sympathy needed for a compelling final girl. From the outset, it’s clear she is the focal character, but she fails to elicit much emotional investment from the audience. Her role feels more like a placeholder than a fully developed character, contrasting sharply with her dynamic performance in Scream.
The predictable trajectory of her character is underscored by her uninspired portrayal, leaving viewers unperturbed by her fate. In contrast, Stevens’ character is allowed more latitude for emotional range and unpredictability, making Barrera’s role seem even more lackluster. Her performance lacks vitality, making it difficult to become invested in her survival as the narrative unfolds.
‘Abigail’ Strikes a Balance Between Horror and Humor
Despite its horror backdrop, Abigail doesn’t shy away from balancing its darker moments with humor, making for an engaging experience. The film navigates both tragic and comedic elements effectively, ensuring that neither overwhelms the other. The increasing stakes and ensuing calamity enhance the film’s dramatic tension, while moments of humor help to alleviate the darker aspects. The soundtrack, featuring bands like Sparks and Depeche Mode, contributes to the film’s distinctive energy.
Ultimately, Abigail captures the essence of confinement and the emotional turbulence that comes with it, even as it tells a story set centuries in the past. Despite being a raunchy vampire comedy, it delves into themes of struggle and heartbreak, achieving a surprising depth beneath its chaotic exterior.