Off the coattails of “Scream VI,” directing duo Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett, otherwise known as “Radio Silence,” have delivered another spectacularly bloody and surprisingly funny horror romp with “Abigail.” Inspired by “The Breakfast Club,” the film follows an eclectic group of criminals that get more than they bargained for when they kidnap the daughter of a dangerous crime lord. The stakes heighten when they discover the true nature of this terrifying tiny dancer.
Similar to a previous Radio Silence movie, “Ready or Not,” this film makes the most of its largely one-setting, an opulent gothic mansion the criminals find themselves prey in. Despite the lack of changing scenery, the stately home brings a grand aura to the story as if our band of kidnappers has entered a new frightening and formidable universe. As the characters discover relics of a supernatural presence, viewers come to realize they never had control. What begins as a heist film quickly becomes a dangerous and otherworldly game of cat and mouse.
From Felons to Fodder
The body count in this film soon becomes as stacked as its cast. Leading the cast is “Scream” star Melissa Barrera who solidifies her status as a modern “Scream Queen” as a pragmatic, charismatic criminal with a hidden heart. Despite being fired from the “Scream” franchise, Barrera remains optimistic about her future in Hollywood, wanting to work more behind the camera. And with her performance in “Abigail,” she proves she makes for a strong leading lady once again. Alongside her, Dan Stevens is deliciously over-the-top as a slimy and selfish crook who will cross any line to save his skin. His devilish performance is a perfect blend of cheese and intimidation. Like Barrera, Kathryn Newton also gains her “Scream Queen” badge as a delinquent computer hacker and can show her misfit side in a surprise twist.
Angus Cloud and Kevin Durand provide a large helping of the film’s laughs. Durand is a bumbling doofus who never becomes fully aware of the team’s dire situation takes full advantage of his massive build. His hulking frame cowering in fear against a pint-sized pursuer conjures inevitable chuckles. Cloud’s posthumous role is equally humorous, his naive and relaxed attitude in stark contrast to the outlandish situation. Touchingly, the film has been dedicated to the young actor. An honorable mention goes to Giancarlo Esposito, who makes the most of the five minutes he’s on screen, proving how villainous roles are a cakewalk for the actor.
The crown jewel of the cast is Alisha Weir as the title character. If her gleeful bloodlust didn’t feel genuine, the whole film would fall apart. Luckily, Weir takes hold of the screen and tears it apart with grace and brutality. The young actress performs many of her own stunts, contorting herself and flouncing about the halls of the mansion with dangerous ease.
Coming Attractions
“Abigail” is the latest example of Universal’s recent reinvestment in their classic horror iconography as it harkens back to “Dracula’s Daughter.” With 2020’s “The Invisible Man” and the upcoming “Wolf Man,” the cusp of a new universe of monsters may be emerging. If future films can maintain being campy yet well-crafted flicks with fresh takes on iconic supernatural figures, Universal may have something truly fantastic on their hands.
As for Radio Silence, the future is bright as they plan to produce a sequel to their beloved “Ready or Not.” As proven once again with “Abigail,” their knack for building tension in atmospheres equally scary and fun brings them closer to being listed alongside names like Wes Craven and John Carpenter.
“Abigail” is certified fresh with an 84% critical rating and 86% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes, a 7.1 user score on IMDB, a “B” letter grade on CinemaScore and a 3.2-star rating on Letterboxd. The movie is poised to open in the $12-15 million range from a modest $28 million budget.
Jimmy Buccino • May 3, 2024 at 5:45 pm
Okay… fellas.