Long have I been captivated by the realm of the macabre and the paranormal. Halloween holds a special place in my heart as it aligns with my love for all things witchy. However, being a self-proclaimed scaredy cat has led me to be selective in choosing horror movies. I simply can't bear anything with a true-crime element as it grounds the movie too much in realism, making me overly terrified. But for the most part, I truly relish over-the-top and exaggerated kills, especially when there's a supernatural element involved.

Unleash the Bloodthirsty Vampire Within Abigail

Abigail: A Crime Thriller with a Vampire Twist

In the gripping movie Abigail, directed by Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett (known for Ready or Not and the recent Scream movies), the story begins like a typical crime thriller. A group of criminals kidnaps the 12-year-old titular daughter of an underworld mogul, planning to hold her for ransom in a dilapidated manor. Little do they know, they are about to face a terrifying ordeal.This seemingly ordinary kidnapping turns into a nightmarish situation as they soon discover that the little girl is actually a sadistic vampire. She takes full advantage of the creepy mansion and its dark passageways, treating it like her own personal playground. From an ornate library to a dark basement, Abigail uses every nook and cranny to her advantage, keeping the characters constantly on edge.

Vampire Myths and Legends Come Alive

Abigail fully embraces the vampire mythos, allowing the characters to be self-aware in a humorous way rather than simply dismissing common vampire tropes. When the characters realize they are trapped in a death mansion with a vampire, they try to piece together what they know about these creatures of the night. There's a hilarious moment when out-of-touch rich girl turned hacker Sammy (Kathryn Newton) grabs a bag of onions, thinking they are garlic. This shows how the movie playfully explores the familiar while adding its own unique twist.One of the movie's best showdowns occurs when the characters attempt (and fail) to fight Abigail off using crucifixes and garlic, among other common vampire repellents. It's a thrilling battle that showcases the characters' determination and Abigail's terrifying powers.

Abigail's Unique Powers and Dance Sequences

When Abigail puppets her thrall, it's a sight to behold. A warped version of Tchaikovsky's main Swan Lake theme plays, setting the stage for a full ballet dance. She moves around the possessed body like a jerky marionette, adding an element of both beauty and horror. This creative use of Abigail's powers is a standout feature of the movie, showing that more vampire media could learn from its approach.The movie never shies away from being its ridiculous, bloody self. It's a refreshing change from the often embarrassed vampire movies. The incredibly bloody murders, pulled off by the lonely yet unhinged 12-year-old vampire ballerina, add to the overall charm and entertainment value.Abigail is now available for streaming on Prime, offering viewers a unique and thrilling vampire experience.