31 Days of Horror: Abigail

Horror isn’t just a genre; it’s an amalgamation of pop culture, cozy traditions, and things that go bump in the night. This year, we're taking our 31 Days of Horror across the entire cultural spectrum. We’ll be taking a look at movies that scare us, games that kept us paranoid, scary books we cozy up with under blankets, music that sets that spooky tone and seasonal food we’re craving–or strange food you’d have to tie us up and force feed us. Whether you’re looking for something truly terrifying or a cozy autumn haunt, come back every day this month for a new bite-sized review or spooky adjacent list.

There's so much I want to say about Abigial, but any inference to other movies that do similar things or references to clear and obvious allusions could ruin what is honestly a very fun movie. 

Unfortunately this is a movie that was ruined by its marketing. I am not the most strict about going into a movie blind, usually I think if the journey to the spoiler is good, the spoiler isn't actually a spoiler. But for this movie it absolutely is. Too much of the film relies on you knowing nothing about the story, the characters, and  in order to enjoy the journey. Which is already a Herculean task in this modern age of everything ends up online from the word go. I think we're far enough away from this movie's terrible marketing that many have forgotten it but not far enough that the spoiler is ubiquitous…I think. So I will try to tread lightly. 

The film is about a ragtag team set up to kidnap a wealthy man's daughter. Once they do they hole up at a rendezvous point and wait for further instructions. Unfortunately the wealthy man has a secret, vicious killer at his disposal that begins to prey on the team of criminals. There, that's all your getting from me plot-wise. Lets get on to what I can safely talk about,

Tone. The tone is a little all over the place. It's very Radio Silence, the film collective behind Ready or Not, Ready or Not 2 Here I Come, and the Scream sequels 5cream (yes that's what i call it, five cream) and Scream 6. . There are moments of a very extreme horror that clash with moments of very goofy humor. If that sort of whiplash is not your thing then stay far away from Abigail. And most other Radio Silence fare for that matter. 

The characters are pretty broad, but they are utilized to their highest ability. All the acting is pretty fun all around and with so many moments of the writing digging its heels into the stereotypes and not really caring. Dimwitted musclehead Peter (portrayed by Kevin Durand, under utilized in Ready or Not 2) is fun and never outstays his welcome, Melissa Barrera as Joey shines as the film's lead, and Dan Steven continues his reign as the best thing in everything he's in.

Oh and the practical effect meshed with CGI, are exceptional. Some truly gnarly stuff that is handled so well. Often times when you see a severed head, it looks like a prop. not here as every possible penny was but into making the effects look pristine.

I will say that if your a stickler for competent characters who don't do the dumbest thing, this one is not for you. This is a love letter to Bottle Horror Movies (movies that take place in one spot...and horror but that part is self explanatory), the characters vehicles for the story and violent, and i mean violent deaths. So tread lightly with your cinema sins.

Honestly, if there's anything to take away from Abigail is a reminder that Dan Steven rules.

Go watch the movie now and ignore the trailer at the end of this post. I chose the most no spoiler trailer i could find but even thats too much. It's readily available on physical media and on streaming platforms which are listed over at Just Watch!