Comedy-horror is a niche but beloved genre that can be very difficult to generate mass appeal for. But for directing duo Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett, their resume says differently. Responsible for now cult and fan favourites Ready or Not, Scream (2022) and Scream VI (their Scream films aren’t necessarily classed as comedies but are very close), how does their blood-thirsty new flick compare to the rest of their now iconic work?
The young ballerina is more than meets the eye.
Cinemagoing has faced a little dry spell recently, with many films releasing, but only a fair few connecting with audiences, critics, and the box office. In a sea of objective mediocrity, Abigail is hopefully the film to bring cinemagoing back to life before summer blockbusters take over.
Set around a group of mysterious criminals, their mission is to kidnap a young ballerina and hold her hostage in an unsettling atmospheric mansion, but there’s one thing these criminals don’t know, the girl they’ve kidnapped is a ballerina vampire.
From that premise alone, this film is nothing short of an intoxicating blast of energy, comedy and blood. It may not be without its flaws, but all the pieces are there to make it an enjoyable and fulfilling cinema experience. From its story, performances, setting and high levels of gore, it will undoubtedly tick many horror fan’s boxes.
Despite a slow start, the minute the blood-sucking antics begin, it never looks back. And the antics include more than just graphic action sequences, there’s also a lot of mystery and intrigue, resulting in surprising twists and turns that keep the audience on their toes.
While the graphic action sequences aren’t the films only asset, they are very impressive as they truly deliver what a lot of horror fans crave. The amount of blood and gore is off the charts, so much so you feel as if you’re missing out because you yourself are not drenched in blood by the end.
Abigail reveals her true malicious colours.
The story itself is well crafted and presents an extremely solidly written script that many aspiring screenwriters should use as a template. Its dialogue is teeming with charisma and personality, one minute having us laughing, the next making us feel deeply emotional and then completely bewildered by how absurd and enjoyable the horror elements are.
But despite these factors, it would not be as good without its cast. In particular, Alisha Weir and Melissa Barrera who provide stand out performances. Both of them prove, even Weir at such a young age, that they deserve more spotlight and bigger roles.
Alisha Weir will captivate you with her unforgettable showcase of camp and creepy, making you feel unnerved every time she is on screen but also revelling in how darkly delightful she is. With this, her breakout role in Netflix’s Roald Dahl’s Matilda the Musical, in which she stunned audiences across the world, and her small yet notable role in the recent dark comedy Wicked Little Letters, Weir is proving to be the best young actor of her generation.
Now upsettingly no longer being attached to the Scream franchise, Melissa Barrera shows here that she can lead whatever film she likes, and always provide a fantastic performance. She was one of the best things about the recent Scream films and she is one of the best things here as well. Her character is instantly likable, extremely cool and has a killer style which is sure to become instantly iconic.
In supporting roles, Kathryn Newton, Kevin Durand, Dan Stevens and William Catlett do great work, particularly Stevens and Newton who have a few layers and get to deliver more than meets the eye. And Angus Cloud will be missed as the film is touchingly in his memory.
Cliches are the films biggest problem, however. It can be difficult to avoid cliches in Hollywood nowadays as audiences feel that many blockbusters lack originality. But in this case, these are willing to be overlooked as its purpose isn’t to be a completely original and ground-breaking film. It is at the end of the day a fun filled blood bath with stellar performances.
Abigail is not the perfect film, nor is it trying to be. But horror fans and perhaps general audiences will be able to appreciate its ability to provide a fulfilling cinema experience that will leave your eyes and mouth wide open. It is yet another jewel in Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett’s growing crown.
