The vampire genre has been explored many times in movies. While some releases fail to provide original narratives, others ensure that their stories are unique enough to deliver enjoyable experiences. Directed by Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett, Abigail is a bloody fun time. Although its first half is noticeably slow, this is a film that quickly puts a smile on your face when it kicks into gear.
After kidnapping a 12-year-old ballerina, a group of criminals rapidly discover that their captive is in fact a bloodthirsty vampire. The film stars Melissa Barrera, Dan Stevens, Alisha Weir, Will Catlett, Kathryn Newton, Kevin Durand, Angus Cloud and Giancarlo Esposito.
Delivering a wonderful premise, Abigail is a movie that unfortunately takes some time to get going. The first half of the picture is quite laborious in its pace and many viewers will be left begging for the narrative to progress. In some ways, it seems as though the script has been written with the vampire aspect as a plot twist. This proves completely ineffective considering that it has been fully marketed as the “ballerina vampire movie.” However, with all this in mind, the slow pace to start does give us some valuable time with the characters, allowing them to develop before the superior second half begins.
Once the vampiric kills begin, this movie becomes a joyous celebration of horror comedy. Exceedingly gory and quite funny, most of the actors play their roles rather well. Sadly, Melissa Barrera is somewhat bland but manages to be likeable as the lead. On the opposite side of things, Dan Stevens steals the whole show and proves he can play any part given to him. Further commendations must be made to Alisha Weir whose physical performance lights up the screen with every bite of a jugular.
Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett have established themselves as experts in modern horror comedy. The only downside to this is that their releases are becoming a bit predictable. This is still a film that can be recommended but they have established a pattern that offers few surprises from their work.
Abigail may not be the best film that you will see this year but it is certainly one that you will remember. An easy watch that will leave viewers with smiles on their faces, you don’t have to rush to the theatres to see this but it is certainly worth watching once it becomes available in the comfort of your home.