Movie Review: ‘Abigail’ is a bloody good time

Bloody, brutal, and borderline barbaric, “Abigail,” entertains at the highest level, making for one of the most enjoyable horror flicks I’ve seen in recent years. 

A group of would-be criminals kidnaps the 12-year-old daughter of a powerful underworld figure who turns out to be a little more than they can handle. 

To say I was hyped for the release of “Abigail,” would be an understatement, knowing the film was directed by Tyler Gillet and Matt Bettinelli-Olpin was a big enough selling point for me. The film’s direction by Gillett and Bettinelli-Olpin is a major highlight, given their past work on movies like “Ready or Not” and “Scream VI.” Having seen the film, I can confidently say “Abigail,” does not disappoint. If you’re expecting a wacky concept horror film with a healthy mix of action, comedy, and an intense amount of blood, you will not be disappointed. 

We already knew Gillet and Matt Bettinelli-Olpin understood how to make a “Chased by a Murderer in a Mansion” film after “Ready or Not.” In “Abigail,” they take everything they did in “Ready or Not” and amp it up by 1000. They expand upon their previous work, enhancing the ensemble cast’s dynamics to amplify the film’s enjoyment. While their past three films also had big ensemble casts, each member of the “Abigail’s,” “Rat Pack” plays a crucial role in this film, and that makes the outrageous events all the more enjoyable. 

The biggest standout of the cast is Kathryn Newton (“Ant-Man and The Wasp: Quantumania,” “Freaky”), she’s great in just about everything she’s in, but the amount of fun she had with her role as Sammy shows through every scene. I think it’s time to consider Newton a “Scream Queen.”

It was also bittersweet to see the final role of the late Angus Cloud. His charisma and charm shine through his role as the incredibly effective comedic relief. It was great to see him make the entire theater laugh with just about every line he delivered. 

It should also go without saying the film doesn’t work without the incredible dedication from Abigail herself, Alisha Weir. Her line delivery and the way she teeters the line between innocent and psychotic is incredibly impressive for her age. 

“Abigail,” is a helluva good time. If you’re looking for a fun date-night horror flick, there is no reason why this film shouldn’t be it. 

SCORE: 3.5/5

“Abigail,” is rated R and is in theaters now! There are no end-credit scenes.