A group of petty criminals are hired to kidnap the daughter of a powerful crime boss in return for a substantial ransom. On paper, the premise of the latest film from Ready or Not and Scream VI co-directors Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett sounds like your average semi-comedic heist caper. However, what starts as a straightforward kidnapping plot quickly spirals into a blood-soaked nightmare when the hapless criminals realise their victim, 12-year-old Abigail (Matilda star Alisha Weir), is no ordinary girl, but something altogether more sinister.
From the moment we are introduced to the eclectic band of kidnappers, each with their own quirks and flaws, the stage is set for a wild and unpredictable ride in one of the most inventive horror flicks of the year. Led by the cynical Frank (Dan Stevens in scenery chewing mode once again) and the edgy Joey (Melissa Barrera, brilliant), the crew navigate a maze of suspense and gore as they come face-to-face with the true villain of the piece, a pint sized ballerina with more attitude than all of them put together.
One of the film’s greatest strengths lies in its ability to seamlessly blend genres, delivering moments of heart-pounding terror alongside unexpected bursts of humor. As the body count rises and the tension reaches fever pitch, Bettinelli-Olpin and Gillett infuse the proceedings with a sly wit that keeps audiences on the edge of their seats.
The film’s standout performance comes from Alisha Weir as the titular Abigail, whose innocent façade masks a deadly secret. Weir’s portrayal is equal parts chilling and charming, as she effortlessly navigates the delicate balance between predator and prey.
While Abigail may stumble slightly in its overly complicated plot and underdeveloped supporting characters, these flaws are easily overlooked in the face of its relentless energy and sheer entertainment value. With its clever premise, stellar cast, and over-the-top gore, Abigail is sure to satisfy horror fans craving a blood-soaked thrill ride.
As the film hurtles towards its electrifying conclusion, audiences will find themselves fully immersed in the madness, eagerly anticipating each twist and turn along the way. With Abigail, Bettinelli-Olpin and Gillett have once again proven themselves masters of the genre, delivering a crowd-pleasing spectacle that is as terrifying as it is delightfully absurd.
This is possibly the most fun I’ve had with a horror flick this year, I just wish the massive plot spoiler hadn’t already been given away in the film’s trailer. When will distributors realise that less is always more when it comes to trailers…
