“Abigail” is a 2024 horror comedy from directors Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett, penned by Stephen Shields and Guy Busick. The plot revolves around a gang of kidnappers who seize the daughter of a prominent underworld figure, demanding a hefty ransom of $50 million. Unbeknownst to them, the girl they’ve taken hostage is actually a vampire. Alisha Weir stars as Abigail, with Melissa Barrera, Dan Stevens, Kathryn Newton, Will Catlett, Kevin Durand, Angus Cloud, and Giancarlo Esposito in supporting roles.
The project was announced in April 2023, with Bettinelli-Olpin, Gillett, Shields, and Busick onboard. The film was a collaboration between Radio Silence Productions, Project X Entertainment, and Vinson Films. Casting began shortly after, with Barrera joining first, followed by the rest of the ensemble. Principal photography commenced in Dublin, Ireland, but faced a setback due to the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike. Production resumed later, concluding in December. Angus Cloud, one of the cast members, tragically passed away after filming, with the film dedicated to his memory. Brian Tyler was brought on to compose the score.
“Abigail” premiered at the Overlook Film Festival on April 7, 2024, before its theatrical release in the United States on April 19, 2024, through Universal Pictures. Reviews were generally favorable, and the film has grossed $35 million globally.
CHARACTERS
- Melissa Barrera portrays Joey
- Dan Stevens plays Frank
- Alisha Weir takes on the role of Abigail
- Will Catlett appears as Rickles
- Kathryn Newton portrays Sammy
- Kevin Durand is featured as Peter
- Angus Cloud assumes the character Dean
- Giancarlo Esposito portrays Lambert, and
- Matthew Goode stars as Abigail’s father.
STORYLINE
“Abigail” is a captivating horror-comedy narrative that immerses viewers in the chilling odyssey of Abigail, a ballet dancer ensnared in the schemes of a band of criminals operating in the heart of New York City.The gripping tale unfolds with the abduction of Abigail, the daughter of a notorious underworld figure, orchestrated by a clandestine syndicate led by Lambert. Little do they know, Abigail conceals a sinister secret—she is a vampire.As the criminals transport Abigail to a remote mansion nestled in the upstate wilderness, tensions brew within the group. Each member adopts an alias inspired by the Rat Pack and is cautioned against revealing personal details to Abigail. The ensemble comprises Joey, a former Army medic grappling with addiction; Frank, an ex-NYPD detective; Sammy, a proficient hacker; Dean, a volatile driver; Rickles, a seasoned Marine sniper; and Peter, a bumbling mob enforcer.
Despite their efforts to restrain Abigail, unforeseen events unravel. Dean’s advances towards Sammy culminate in a gruesome demise, setting an ominous tone for the night ahead. Frank’s interrogation uncovers Abigail’s true lineage, unraveling a tangled web of deceit and intrigue.As darkness descends upon the mansion, chaos reigns supreme. Attempts to flee are thwarted by the mansion’s fortified defenses, and the group finds themselves ensnared in Abigail’s lethal grasp.
Confronted with Abigail’s otherworldly powers, the group grapples with devising a strategy to neutralize her. Conventional tactics, including garlic and stakes, prove futile against her formidable abilities. In a desperate bid for survival, Joey recalls a tranquilizer supplied by Lambert, hoping to subdue Abigail temporarily.However, Abigail’s bite inflicts Sammy with the vampiric curse, further complicating their plight. In a climactic showdown, Joey and the remaining survivors muster the courage to confront Abigail, determined to vanquish the source of their terror.
Amidst the chaos, long-buried secrets come to light, testing the bonds of trust and loyalty. Joey emerges as an unlikely hero, bravely confronting Abigail and securing their deliverance from imminent peril.In the aftermath of the harrowing ordeal, Joey confronts Abigail’s formidable father, emerging triumphant and ensuring her safe repatriation. As Abigail departs the mansion, Joey reflects on the tumultuous journey, finding solace in a simple yet profound symbol of victory—a lollipop—a testament to their resilience in the face of darkness.
BOX-OFFICE COLLECTION
As of May 5, 2024, the film Abigail has accumulated $22.8 million in the United States and Canada, and $12 million in other territories, resulting in a total worldwide gross of $34.7 million.
In the North American market, Abigail was released alongside The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare and Spy × Family Code: White. Initial projections estimated its opening weekend earnings to be between $12 to $15 million from 3,384 theaters. The film garnered $4 million on its premiere day, including $1 million from Thursday night previews. Ultimately, it debuted with $10.2 million, securing the second position at the box office, trailing behind Civil War.
