Abigail

Arriving in a small Alabama town, a woman and her neighbors strike up a friendship that helps him to overcome the bullies that relentlessly torment him for his home life, but the more she hangs out with him the more her homicidal tendencies come to the forefront unleashing a wave of violence against the bullies.

This was a really solid if somewhat flawed genre effort. When this one ends up working well is the way this one builds up the eventual explosion of violence that emerges as we get to know more about the character and her central relationships. Her troubled background that necessitated the need for the move and how the relationship with her mother is entirely based on combative disrespect that goes in a complete counter to with the neighbor where it comes across as a budding mentorship involving how to stand up for himself against the bullies which borders on coercion and homicidal tendencies. This setup manages to work itself up into an appropriately enjoyable and twist-laden finale where the series of reveals and gruesome outcomes are enough to make the film quite likable over some detrimental factors. The main issue with this one is the fact that it spends forever waiting around for something to happen as the people in this town are blind morons oblivious to what's going on around them. The psychotic tendencies of the teen bullies are so apparent it's hard to believe they were blind to what happened, and that goes equally to the drastically uninspired outbursts of violence that paint her as just as violent only she's doing it for the betterment of his life which should go hand-in-hand with the background we have on her with her mother that there's something off so all of this leaves the film to feel like it's dragging with these elements in place. As well, there's also the lack of violence or gore on display as the timid nature of the interactions makes everything feel rather tame as a result which is another area that holds this down.

Rated Unrated/R: Graphic Language and Violence.

There are two reasons to see this film: Ava Cantrell in the titular role and Tren Brown as the reluctant new friend. Having shades of classics like "Carrie" and "Natural Born Killers", the film revolves around Abigail, a teen who moves from California to Alabama in 1976. Her first attempts to befriend neighbor Lucas is futile until she helps him stand up to bullies. She goes through a "3-strike" mode, first glancing then a warning shot in the form of knocking the lead bully down.

However, the lead bully's retribution becomes strike 3 and you can guess what happens. Cantrell delivers a brilliant performance as a young woman who has an overbreaking protective mother that is reminiscent of Margaret White minus the religion aspect with Hermoine Lynch delivering an amazing performance while Lucas's home life is even worse with a very condescending and arrogant mother, driven with an excellent performance by Karimah Westbrook.

Things really pick up at the halfway point but just wait until you see the final ten minutes. Totally shocking and jaw-dropping. This film is highly recommended!!!

Kenny's Movie Review

"Abigail" (2023)

Available tomorrow On Demand

I'd like to thank Dark Star pictures for providing me a screener link for review

In 1976 a troubled teen befriends her bullied neighbor, seeking revenge on his tormentors, but her obsession turns deadly.

This movie is really good and intense, the film stars Ava Cantrell as "Abigail" and Tren Reed-Brown as "Lucas" as 2 troubled teens in Alabama where the local bullies pick on "Lucas" and Abigail befriends him and helps him overcome the bullies.

The relationship between Abigail and her Mom played by Hermione Lynch is a strange dynamic that really is odd and strange, but the real story here Ava Cantrell as "Abigail" she gives a amazing performance a real breakthrough performance

I really enjoyed this film and the performances were truly incredible

4 Whoppers out of 5 Whoppers 🍔🍔🍔🍔

Highly recommend this movie

Like to thank Dark Star Pictures for providing me the screener for review.

Abagail is actually quite good if you look at the underlying theme. Ava Cantral carries this film well for being a new comer to a starring role. True, this is a low budget horror film and some of the scenes are way over the top, but I gave it a 8 because Ava makes the film and she is beliveable as a funny, sadistic sick teen. Trey is OK in his supporting role but stuggles I think with developing his character as an abusive kid. He does well in some scenes then seems amaturish in others like he does not know how to play the scene. No offense but he may be a less experienced actor than Ava. I recomend this film for a late night pop corn flick. It is watchable all the way through and it has some funny moments.

I don't normally seek out indie horror films, but "Abigail" caught my eye as potentially being a smart coming-of-age flick with an engaging premise: Teen moves into new town to escape a sketchy (yet unknown) past, and a kind of black widow persona is revealed. Hey - sounds intriguing to me!

And... it did not disappoint. Cool titles and excellent sound work led immediately into an engaging prelude scene that will really hook you into the story. The cast chemistry was terrific, led by an outstanding performance by lead actor Ava Cantrell. Her relentless persistence with Tren Reed-Browns character and the friction with her mom played by Hermione Lynch made for a dynamic tension with both that drove the movie forward.

Several key scenes backed by an awesome soundtrack peeled back more of Abigail's persona (and potentially her past?), and painted a full picture of her that still haunts me. Ms. Cantrell's performance, going progressively edgier with every scene, is marvelous to watch, portending twists in the third act that will leave you satisfied and asking for a sequel.

I thoroughly enjoyed Abigail, from the storytelling and acting prowess on through the continuity details and production value. This is a character and premise that can really go places and I'm hoping for more of Cantrell, Reed-Brown and others. I rented and streamed it on iTunes.