Confessions of A Bored Vampire (Abigail review)

 

I know it has been a long time since I have written a review. So many movies I watched a little later because of school and work. But I am back with a review because I was much inspired to write again about this probable cult classic in the horror genre. Abigail is the new horror popcorn flick worth catching before the summer movies roll in. 

The film revolves around a group of troubled misfits who are hired to kidnap a rich man's daughter to get a handsome amount of money, they are stuck in a house with a child vampire that hunts them down on by one in hopes of getting out without their blood being drained. 

I will not reveal too much for it is a movie worth catching at your own time to just have a blast at the cinema. Abigail can be seen as just another cash grab for a B-grade-looking horror movie featuring an expensive cast, its quippy script and interestingly written characters, this vampire film isn't like others. Or at least it makes its own bitemark to an overdone concept. 

Starring the likes of Melissa Barrera, Dan Stevens, Kathryn Newton, Alisha Weir, Angus Cloud (Rest In Peace), Kevin Durand, William Catlett and Giancarlo Esposito, all bring their A-game when it comes to their portrayals, despite the premise and trailers promising a mid-experience in the cineplex. Watching the movie itself, is an experience of its own. No, it does not break barriers and it is not Oscar-worthy but promises a good time for vampire enthusiasts. Whether it is breaking down vampiric lore or about making new ones, Abigail is good addition to the roster of good vampire movies, and we are seriously lacking some of those in a long time. 

The script, although simple, packs a punch by not only distinct characters with their respective motivations but provides everyone at least one line that probably encapsulates their relevance and leaves each of them to be remembered. Since being fired from Scream franchise, directors, Matt Betinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett and actress, Barrera are attempting a fanbase for their work as individual artists, despite being in the genre. The film does solidify that Betinelli-Olpin Gillett are damm good what they make in the case of violent, bloody shots and Barrera being a final girl that does not live up to the expectations that we are so accustomed to with films like these involving female leads. 

I have not seen Durand and Catlett in films for quite a while and it’s refreshing to see them for onscreen portraying interesting characters. seeing Cloud after this work in Euphoria is also heartwarming considering he funny he is. Dan Steven’s, although brings a sort of gravitas to his macho-like character but unfortunately still fails to charm audiences to make him memorable. There may be one reason why he could be in this movie we will wait to see if everyone else agrees. Amongst the supporting cast, the highlight is Kathryn Newton. Everything she exudes seems star quality except in Quantumania. She is such a good actress and she proves once again, how much she experiments with her craft and she does, masterfully here. 

Another highlight is of course, Alisha Weir, despite being the youngest of the cast, commands the screen. Her portrayal of the titular character is almost iconic. Hopefully this movie gets a cult classic status where Weir is appreciated and further appreciated in Hollywood for her talents. 

Like I said, it wasn’t only the actors that made this film great. The script is quippy and smart and leaves an impression. From the minor twists to the leans towards dark comedy rather than pure horror, Abigail is a fun time at the cinema. If you are looking to watch this on the big screen, go ahead but if you’re just waiting to watch it on digital, it’s all good too.