23. Abigail (2024) from Universal
A group of six criminals Joey (Melissa Barrera), Frank (Dan Stevens), Rickles (William Catlett), Sammy (Kathryn Newton), Peter (Kevin Durand) and Dean (Angus Cloud) have kidnapped a young ballet dancer named Abigail (Alisha Weir) and taken her to Wilhelm Manor.
Lambert (Giancarlo Esposito) tells them that they will each get a cut of $50 million by just keeping guard over her for 24 hours.
Joey is tasked with keeping an eye on Abigail. She reluctantly agrees. Joey and Abigail begin to bond with Abigail saying that her father does not care for her. Abigail also informs Joey that her father will not pay the ransom. Abigail gives Joey an ominous apology for what will happen to her. Joey learns that Abigail’s father is the crime lord Kristof Lazaar, who is one of the most feared mob bosses.
But a crime boss is the least of their worries as Abigail has a dark secret. She is a vampire and all the people that have “kidnapped” her are her dinner.
Abigail is a winning horror-comedy. The directing team of Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett, the team behind Ready or Not and the recent Scream revivals once again deliver a fun roller coaster ride of a film. I am not sure if the marketing for the movie was great. It spoils that Abigail is a vampire, but I also do not know how to sell it without that knowledge.
The film is funny, bloody, and has a great cat-and-mouse vibe throughout. The cast delivers. Standouts include Kathryn Newton and Alisha Weir, who seems a little too locked in playing a vampire.
Abigail is one of the hidden gems of 2024.
Grade: A-
Abigail Video Quality
Abigail packs a serious bite with a golden tint of a beautiful transfer. The details pop even with the sepia tone, maybe more so because of the cinematography. Clothing details and furniture all look beautiful. I am guessing this is coming out on 4k at some point, but the 1080p transfer is flawless.
Grade; A+
Abigail Audio Quality
Abigail raises the stakes with a blistering 7.1 Dolby TrueHD audio track. The screams will pierce your ears, and the sound design is of top quality. Dialogue is easily understood without getting lost in the mix. When doors slam or there is squishy gore on screen, it all comes through your speakers with great intensity.
Grade: A
Abigail Special Features
Commentary: Directors Matt Bertinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillet are joined by Editor Michael P. Shawyer for a lively and informative track. They really dive into the making of the film which is always fun to listen to.
Blood Bath: Practical effects are discussed in this featurette with cast and crew.
Hunters to Hunted: Casting is discussed with the actors and filmmakers.
Becoming a Ballerina Vampire: A quick dive into Alisha Weir and how she becomes a ferocious monster.
Directing Duo Matt and Tyler: The directors discuss the film and why they wanted to make it.
Deleted and Extended Scenes: Little over 5 minutes to bite into.
Gag Reel: At almost 10 minutes, this is a fun and lengthy gag reel.
Abigail is ferocious, violent, and funny. When it was released in April, the film slipped under the radar slightly, petering out with $25 million at the US box office. But it should rise again thanks to a great Blu-ray to accompany an entertaining film.