Just The Points #11 - Abigail (2024)

Vampires lend themselves to comedy, it seems.

Total Score: 9/23.

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My girlfriend and I watched Abigail (2024) together last week. Our thinking was that it would be a step up for her into slightly more intense horror than the fun and largely camp flicks she’s been watching. Whether it was a good step or not, you’ll have to wait and read her review. What I came away with was that this film was a mixed bag.

When asked, you guys had this to say about it:

The main takeaway was that it was a good time. We also had:

and

Both good calls.

I think the phrase “It didn’t blow me away” was the one that connected with me most though. I was interested too to hear the thought that “it started out great, then kinda went off the rails”.

This film relied heavily on the performance of Alisha Weir. She nailed it as a centuries old creature of the night, with her vicious line delivery and sweet but sinister grin. I’d definitely watch more of her undead antics. Her ballet stuff could’ve been cringe-inducing in the wrong hands, but here it really worked.

Generally I didn’t love the cast. There were some standouts, for sure, but if anything this was even more frustrating. I feel like you could do this movie with half the people and have it be just as good. And shorter!

What really surprised me is how un-horrible it was. The corpse pool was great, but mostly there was nothing puke-inducing. Buckets of blood, splatter city, but not enough really effective violence and gore. For me, it needed a little touch of brutality to dial up the vibes. Like when they shot her in the head near the beginning!

The ending was hard work. I found it silly and not in a fun way. The vampire cop was cool, despite his sudden switch into total madness, and he acted his ass off throughout to annoy and needle. It worked, and I largely enjoyed his role. Knockoff Dracula, not so much. Just made me wish for more of Nicholas Cage’s compelling role in Renfield (2023).

Anyway, this has become a ramble. Forgive me, I’m a little rusty after my week or so off writing consistently!

As ever, thanks for reading,

Until next time,

H.E.

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