Abigail

Movie Trailer:

Release Date:
April 19, 2024

Genre:
Horror, Thriller, Supernatural

Cast & Crew:

• Melissa Barrera  … Joey
• Dan Stevens  … Frank
• Alisha Weir  … Abigail
• William Catlett … Rickles (as Will Catlett)
• Kathryn Newton … Sammy
• Kevin Durand … Peter
• Angus Cloud … Dean
• Giancarlo Esposito … Lambert
• Matthew Goode … Father

Director:
Matt Bettinelli-Olpin
Tyler Gillett

Producer:

• Macdara Kelleher … executive producer
• Ron Lynch … executive producer
• Paul Neinstein … producer
• William Sherak … producer (p.g.a.)
• James Vanderbilt … producer
• Chad Villella … producer (p.g.a.)
• Tripp Vinson … producer

Budget:
Estimated $30 million

Running Time:
1h 49m

Languages:
English

Maturity Rating:
R

Content Advisory:

• Intense horror scenes
• Supernatural violence
• Strong language
• Disturbing imagery
• Psychological terror

Movie Story:
Abigail (2024) is a chilling supernatural horror-thriller that follows the story of Abigail (Jenna Ortega), a young woman with a dark past who returns to her ancestral home in a small, secluded town after the mysterious death of her parents. What begins as a journey to confront her family’s secrets quickly spirals into a nightmarish descent into horror, as Abigail uncovers a malevolent force that has haunted her family for generations.

The film opens with Abigail receiving a letter informing her of her parents’ sudden and unexplained deaths. Reluctantly, she returns to the family estate, a decaying mansion that holds many of her childhood memories—both good and terrifying. Upon arrival, she is met by Nathan (Timothée Chalamet), a childhood friend who has been helping to manage the estate in her absence. Together, they begin to explore the old mansion, discovering hidden rooms, cryptic journals, and eerie relics that hint at a dark and tragic history.

As Abigail delves deeper into the mysteries of her family’s past, she begins to experience strange and terrifying visions. She encounters Dr. Margaret Willis (Toni Collette), a local psychiatrist who reveals that Abigail’s mother had been seeing her for years, plagued by the same visions that now haunt Abigail. Dr. Willis warns Abigail that the family’s history is steeped in dark rituals and that a malevolent entity, known only as “The Entity” (Bill Skarsgård), has been passed down through the generations, feeding on their fear and despair.

The film intensifies as Abigail’s grip on reality begins to slip, with the lines between the living and the dead blurring. The Entity begins to manifest in increasingly horrifying ways, drawing Abigail deeper into a world of terror. Evelyn (Anya Taylor-Joy), a mysterious woman with knowledge of the occult, arrives to help Abigail confront the evil force. However, Evelyn’s true motives are ambiguous, leaving Abigail unsure of whom to trust.

With time running out, Abigail must unravel the secrets of her family’s cursed past and find a way to break the cycle of horror before The Entity claims her as its next victim. The climax of the film is a terrifying showdown in the heart of the mansion, where Abigail confronts The Entity and the dark truth about her family’s history. The film ends on a chilling note, leaving audiences questioning what is real and what is merely a manifestation of fear.

Special Effects:
Abigail utilizes a mix of practical effects and CGI to create its haunting atmosphere. The film’s visual effects team worked closely with the director to bring The Entity to life, using shadow and light to create a presence that is both terrifying and otherworldly. The mansion itself is a character in the film, with its decaying walls, hidden passages, and eerie ambiance adding to the overall sense of dread. The effects also include disturbing imagery and supernatural occurrences that are sure to unsettle audiences.

Box Office Performance:
As a horror film with a star-studded cast and the direction of David Robert Mitchell, Abigail is expected to perform well at the box office, particularly among horror enthusiasts. The film’s psychological depth, combined with its supernatural elements, positions it as a standout entry in the horror genre for 2024. The September release date aligns with the start of the Halloween season, further boosting its box office potential.

Filming Locations:

• Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
• Salem, Massachusetts, USA
• Edinburgh, Scotland, UK
• New Orleans, Louisiana, USA

Notable Quotes:

• “Some secrets should never be uncovered. But once they are, they can never be forgotten.” – Abigail
• “The past isn’t dead. It’s waiting, watching… and hungry.” – Nathan
• “Fear is a doorway. And once it’s open, it’s hard to close.” – Dr. Margaret Willis
• “There’s something in this house, Abigail. And it’s been waiting for you.” – Evelyn

Behind-the-Scenes:
Director David Robert Mitchell brings his expertise in crafting atmospheric horror to Abigail, focusing on building tension and creating a sense of dread that permeates the entire film. The cast, led by Jenna Ortega, underwent extensive preparation to portray the psychological and emotional toll of the story. The film’s production design aimed to create a setting that feels both timeless and otherworldly, with the mansion’s decayed grandeur reflecting the family’s tragic history. The use of practical effects was emphasized to enhance the realism of the horror elements, making them all the more terrifying.

Final Verdict:
Abigail (2024) is a gripping and terrifying horror film that combines supernatural elements with a deep psychological exploration of fear and family secrets. With strong performances, particularly from Jenna Ortega and Toni Collette, and a narrative that keeps audiences on the edge of their seats, the film is a must-see for horror fans. Its chilling atmosphere and haunting visuals make it a standout entry in the genre, leaving a lasting impact long after the credits roll.

IMDb Rating:
6.6

Image Source: Universal Pictures