Cast: Melissa Barrera, Dan Stevens, Alisha Weir, Kathryn Newton, William Catlett, Kevin Durand, Angus Cloud, Giancarlo Esposito
Genre: Horror, Thriller
Directors: Matt Bettinelli-Olpin, Tyler Gillett
In Cinemas: 19th April 2024
In “Abigail,” directed by Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett, the story centres on the abduction of an influential underworld figure’s 12-year-old daughter, Abigail, by a group of criminals aiming for a $50 million ransom.
Filmed in Dublin but set in America, the film takes audiences on a journey of suspense and horror as the captors realise they are trapped with a unique girl in an isolated mansion. The film’s first half engages with its intriguing premise but gradually becomes chaotic, losing its initial appeal.
However, Alisha Weir’s portrayal of Abigail showcases her talent and potential for future roles. Weir’s performance commands attention, bringing depth to the character and enhancing the overall impact.
Dublin provides a stunning setting, with the historic Glenmaroon House as Abigail’s Wilhelm Manor. The mansion’s grandeur hides dark secrets, echoing the story’s ominous tone.
Additionally, scenes shot in Dublin’s Docklands region add to the film’s visual appeal, evoking a big city atmosphere. As the story unfolds, “Abigail” morphs into a haunted heist movie with a supernatural twist, blending suspense with gore.
The cast delivers strong performances, with Dan Stevens, Kevin Durand, and Kathryn Newton standing out. Weir’s portrayal of Abigail as a bloodthirsty yet cunning character enriches the narrative, keeping audiences engaged. While the film maintains tension, particularly in suspenseful moments, it falters in portraying the criminals’ incompetence, which feels cliché.
The second half introduces new ideas and gruesome deaths, but predictable twists and underdeveloped characters lessen the impact. Despite its flaws, “Abigail” offers excitement and thrills, especially in its inventive death scenes and Weir’s captivating performance.
However, it needs more narrative depth and substance to deliver a satisfying conclusion. In conclusion, “Abigail” presents a promising premise with a talented cast and atmospheric setting but falls short due to predictable plot twists and underdeveloped characters. While it delivers suspense and gore, it needs more depth to fully engage audiences beyond surface-level thrills.
Overall: 6/10
Movie Reviewer
