‘Abigail’ 2024 Review: Not The Best But Fun to Watch

Last year, Universal Pictures took a swing at revitalizing classic monster tales with fresh spins. ‘The Last Voyage of the Demeter’ and ‘Renfield’ offered new angles on Dracula, but while the concepts were intriguing, the execution fell flat. Now, as the studio gears up for reboots of ‘The Wolf Man’ and ‘Nosferatu,’ they’re releasing ‘Abigail,’ a modern take on the forgotten 1936 horror flick ‘Dracula’s Daughter.’

In this contemporary twist, Abigail is a kidnapped ballerina held in an old mansion by clueless criminals. However, Joey, a recovering addict and single mother, senses something amiss. Directed by the team behind ‘Ready or Not,’ ‘Abigail’ promises a mix of comedy and horror, but like its predecessor, it struggles to deliver.

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Despite stylish direction and a sleek setting reminiscent of an Agatha Christie mystery, the film falters in its narrative, opting for gore over substance.

Melissa Barrera shines as Joey, though hindered by illogical choices and clichéd dialogue. Kathryn Newton adds charm, drawing from her role in ‘Freaky’ for inspiration. Alisha Weir impresses as the sinister Abigail, though the film’s messy finale detracts from her performance.

While ‘Abigail’ boasts blood and guts, it lacks depth. As the plot unravels, even strong direction and a dedicated cast can’t salvage it. Audiences may find themselves disappointed by the film’s shallow thrills.

‘Abigail’ hits US and UK cinemas on 19th April.