“Abigail” is one of those movies that had its premise essentially ruined by the trailer. Not that it’s a bad thing for everyone. It’s hard to avoid trailers in theaters when the big screen is right in front of you, but I wish I had gone in with no knowledge at all. The vicious twist at the center of this comedic horror-thriller is undeniably compelling.
The real charm comes from the quirky mix of veteran criminals who team up for what seems like an easy payday: kidnapping a young ballerina and demanding a massive ransom from her powerful father. Even without the twist, this premise alone is intriguing, and I still recommend watching it with as little prior knowledge as possible for the full experience.
Even though “Abigail” didn’t generate the massive profits it may have hoped for, I suspect it has already become a staple on many Halloween watchlists (certainly mine). With it leaving Prime Video U.S. on Friday, September 19, now is the perfect time to stream it and get into the spooky season spirit.
So, if you’re after a wild mix of laughs and scares, here’s why you should stream “Abigail” before it disappears from Prime Video (and don't worry, the twist is revealed after a spoiler warning).
What is ‘Abigail’ about?
“Abigail” is a movie that really works best if you go in completely blind. Honestly, I regret watching the trailer beforehand as it spoils a massive twist that’s so much better to discover in the moment. If you want the full effect of the tension and the wild curveballs this movie throws, skip the trailer above.
That said, if spoilers don’t bother you and you’d prefer to know the general setup first (as presented by the trailer), here’s a synopsis:
The story centers on a crew of small-time criminals, headed by Giancarlo Esposito, who bite off more than they can chew after kidnapping the 12-year-old daughter (Alisha Weir) of a powerful underworld boss. Their $50 million ransom plan takes a shocking turn when they realize the little girl they’ve snatched is anything but ordinary.
‘Abigail’ is a wickedly fun thrill ride
As mentioned before, it’s difficult to talk about this movie without spoiling the huge twist. And it’s hard to call it a twist when the trailer reveals it deliberately. But for those who haven’t seen or heard of “Abigail,” I don’t want to take that experience away. I’d highly recommend streaming it on Prime Video right now without a second thought.
That said, I will reveal the main plot point here for those who need more context. So here’s your final warning: spoilers ahead.
Going into “Abigail,” I had little idea about the production behind it. With movies I’m really interested in, I tend not to do much research, so I’m often surprised by the time I watch them. Instantly, I got the same vibes as “Ready or Not,” the 2019 horror-comedy with Samara Weaving. That makes sense because the same directors, Tyler Gillett and Matt Bettinelli-Olpin, also directed “Abigail.”
This time, there’s no bride hiding from midnight until dawn while her new in-laws hunt her down. Instead, it’s a 12-year-old girl who turns out to be a centuries-old vampire, and her group of kidnappers must survive in a locked-down mansion with no way out. It’s as chaotic as it sounds, with plenty of fake blood and explosive deaths to leave your jaw on the floor.
“Abigail” genre-hops so much that one minute you’re laughing at a hilariously awkward dance sequence, and the next, you’re hiding behind your hands as a character walks down a dark hallway. Despite all the genre-hopping, it’s clear the movie just wants you to have a good time, and it succeeds at being a bloody good watch (literally).
The movie’s ensemble cast turns in consistently strong performances, including Melissa Barrera as Joey, Kathryn Newton as Sammy, Kevin Durand as Peter, Dan Stevens as Frank and Angus Cloud as Dean. But it’s Newton who truly shines for me, playing a thrill-seeking hacker who hilariously confuses a bag of onions for garlic (a moment that quickly became a meme).
Of course, at the center of “Abigail” is the seemingly innocent girl who turns out to be a ballerina vampire. It’s hilarious and impressive to see Weir go from “Matilda the Musical” to playing a bloodthirsty, sarcastic vampire child with surprisingly sharp wit. On top of that, Weir handles gallons of fake blood and those uncomfortable-looking sharp teeth like a true pro (proof of her remarkable talent).
Stream ‘Abigail’ on Prime Video before it’s gone
If you’re looking to get a jumpstart on the Halloween season, “Abigail” is the perfect pick (and no, it’s never too early to start embracing the spooky vibes).
This darkly comedic thriller has plenty of horror and sheer unpredictability in a way that keeps you engaged from the very start. Even when the tension peaks and chaos reigns, the movie’s sharp humor ensures you’re laughing as much as you’re gasping.
Streaming it now on Prime Video gives you a chance to dive into a self-contained thrill ride that’s both entertaining and perfectly in tune with the Halloween spirit. But don’t wait too long, as “Abigail” is set to leave on September 19.
Stream “Abigail” on Prime Video now.
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