Abigail Review: The Kidnappers' Wrong Target

Money often proves irresistible, doesn't it? The allure can be so powerful that many are willing to overlook significant risks just to get their hands on it. This was certainly the case for a band of criminals in New York City.

Acting on orders from a mysterious employer who promised a substantial payout, they executed a kidnapping. However, once the deed was done, they found out a shocking mistake—they had abducted the wrong person. What could possibly happen next?

Synopsis

In a theater, the beautiful sounds of Tchaikovsky's "Swan Lake Suite Op. 20" fill the air. On stage, a 12-year-old girl performs an exquisite ballet dance. This young dancer is Abigail (Alisha Weir), the daughter of a very wealthy family in New York.

After finishing her ballet practice, Abigail heads home, unaware that six kidnappers are waiting for her. The group is led by Frank (Dan Stevens), and includes Joey (Melissa Barrera), Rickles (Will Catlett), Sammy (Kathryn Newton), Peter (Kevin Durand), and Dean (Angus Cloud).

Frank, Joey, and Peter quickly grab Abigail from her home and escape before her mysterious father can intervene. They take her to a remote, luxurious mansion in the forest, where Lambert (Giancarlo Esposito), the man who hired them, awaits.

Lambert reveals that he has demanded a $50 million ransom from Abigail’s family. As they wait for the ransom, Lambert asks the group to watch over Abigail. The mansion is equipped with everything they need for the next 24 hours.

Following Lambert's instructions, the kidnappers agree to work together and avoid using their real names or sharing personal stories to reduce the risk of being tracked by the police.

While the rest of the group relaxes in the lounge, Joey goes to check on Abigail, who has just woken up from anesthesia. Seeing her frightened, Joey reassures her by removing her blindfold and promising that no one will harm her.

After preparing dinner, Joey left Abigail alone, but removing her blindfold had unintended consequences. When Frank entered the room to ask her father's identity, Abigail was able to see his face before he quickly covered it.

Armed with a gun, Frank pressed Abigail for information about her father, given that Lambert's details were vague. Frank was shocked and terrified when he learned who her father was and immediately wanted to flee the mansion.

This revelation confused everyone. Frank disclosed that Abigail's father was Kristof Lazaar, a figure deeply feared across America, particularly in New York—not for his power, but because he was a legendary vampire.

Initially, some were skeptical of Frank's claim. However, Rickles, who knew of Kristof Lazaar, panicked, tried to leave, but found the mansion's doors were now sealed with iron. They all realized the danger they were in.

Panic spread as everyone tried to find an exit. In the kitchen, Dean's luck ran out when an unseen force dragged him into the basement. He screamed for help, but his cries went unheard as everyone was too far away.

Sammy was the only one who faintly heard Dean's screams and rushed to help. Approaching the dining table where Dean was seated, Sammy was horrified to see Dean's decapitated body and his neck gruesomely torn. Sammy’s scream drew everyone to the kitchen.

Now facing a real threat, they realized they were being hunted. Frank revealed that he once dealt with Kristoff Lazaar by arresting three of his guards, only to find the guarding police officers dead later. One of Lazaar's most feared guards was Valdez.

They all hurried to the room where they last saw Abigail to ensure she was still there. Upon arrival, a heated argument erupted. Frank proposed killing Abigail to escape the mansion, but Joey strongly disagreed.

During the fight, Abigail unintentionally frees herself and starts turning into a vampire. The others are shocked and scatter in panic, which allows Abigail to chase and attack them one by one, starting with Rickles, whose face and body she savagely mutilates.

Abigail then bites and takes control of Sammy, forcing her to kill Peter. Once Peter is dead, Sammy also succumbs. Now, only Joey and Frank are left, and they struggle to confront Abigail. However, the situation shifts when Frank sees Lambert, who persuades him to become a vampire.

Tempted by the promise of Kristof Lazaar's wealth and power, Frank agrees to kill his son. After Lambert bites him and he starts to change, Frank quickly turns on Lambert, killing him and then pursuing Abigail. Feeling cornered, Abigail pleads with Joey for help, promising him a safe escape from the mansion if they survive.

Joey agrees to the plan, and together they face an increasingly ferocious Frank. Ultimately, Joey and Abigail succeed in defeating Frank. When the ordeal ends, Kristoff Lazaar arrives to retrieve Abigail, and she urges Joey to leave the mansion and continue with his life.

Embellished with Comedy

This film delivers entertainment without relying on cringes or jumpscares. It maintains a smooth flow, particularly when presenting Abigail in a 'charming' manner, rather than in a shocking, horrific reveal.

To lighten the mood, comedic elements are woven throughout the plot. There are moments specifically designed to provoke loud laughter from the audience, even during tense and serious scenes. Peter (Kevin Durand) becomes the comedic focus of the film.

Less Detailed Character Development

The film introduces its characters in a way that might seem lacking in detail. Several characters are mentioned by name without thorough backstory. This includes Valdez, depicted as one of Kristof Lazaar's most ruthless guards, and even Kristof Lazaar himself, whose origins remain largely mysterious.

We learn only that Kristof is an urban legend, a real-world vampire. Similarly, Valdez is hinted at possibly being Abigail in disguise, though no evidence confirms this. Despite their significance, these characters are only sketchily developed in the storyline.

Familiar Scenes

For those familiar with the work of director Matt Bettinelli-Olpin, "Abigail" may echo elements of his 2019 film "Ready or Not." This similarity extends from the setting and the manner of character deaths to the distinctive use of gore.

Like the Le Domas family in "Ready or Not," who meet explosive ends once their family curse is broken, the vampires in "Abigail" perish in a similar spectacular fashion. The sequences of chase and resistance closely mirror those in Bettinelli-Olpin's earlier work. Watching both films may give an interesting comparison.

This movie stands out as a unique vampire film amid many that have become muddled by overdone drama-romance themes. Alisha Weir’s portrayal of Abigail is notably effective, making this film a worthwhile watch. I would rate it a 3.6 out of 5, and recommend it to fans of Showpoiler.