A Different Perspective on Vampire Horror
Radio Silence is working on an upcoming horror thriller film Abigail (2024), which is set to release under Universal Pictures. Radio Silence previously gained fame for the films Ready or Not (2019) and the hit Scream franchise (2022, 2023). The film is said to have an eclectic mix of classic vampire horror with elements of survival thriller – it is sure to make an impact in the genre the same way the rest of their films did.
Plot Summary
The movie follows a group of criminals hired to abduct the daughter of an underworld figure, Abigail, who is only 12 years old. Abducting and isolating the girl in a mansion, caring nefarious motives, is not a hard task and thus grabbing a big ransom is easy money.
However, upon nightfall, they learn what kidnappers claw deeper into the crime. Abigail is much more than just some child; she is a vampire. In an unexpected turn of events, the girl they set out to capture turns into a vampire, preying on them one by one. The kidnappers are left fighting for their lives against a vicious monster.
The film draws parallels with classic vampire themes while also infusing modern horror-action elements, similar to the way Ready or Not tackled survival horror. The blend of dark comedy sprinkled in with intense action sequences and jaw clenching suspense makes it clear that in this story, the hunter has transformed into the hunted.
Main Cast & Characters
Melissa Barrera (Scream, In the Heights)
Dan Stevens (The Guest, Beauty and the Beast)
Alisha Weir (Matilda the Musical) as Abigail
Kathryn Newton (Freaky, Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania)
William Catlett (Black Lightning)
Kevin Durand (Resident Evil: Retribution, X-Men Origins: Wolverine)
Giancarlo Esposito (Breaking Bad, The Mandalorian)
The film’s Abigail will be portrayed by Alisha Weir, who dazzled in Matilda the Musical. It will be fascinating to watch her transform from a sweet young girl into an unnerving vampire; her metamorphosis will surely be one of the best parts of the film.
Also, in the cast are Dan Stevens and Melissa Barrera, both well-versed in action and horror genres. The fact that Giancarlo Esposito is involved in the project suggests a more sinister backstory to the character of Abigail.
Behind the Scenes & Production
Directors: Matt Bettinelli-Olpin & Tyler Gillett (Scream, Ready or Not)
Writers: Stephen Shields (The Hole in the Ground), Guy Busick (Ready or Not)
Producers: William Sherak, Paul Neinstein, James Vanderbilt (Project X Entertainment)
With their signature style of action, dark humor, and horror, Radio Silence made a mark with Abigail. The movie is expected to be fast-paced and brutal and, characteristic of Radio Silence, contain shocks at every turn.
The locations where the film was shot have practical and CGI touches for a mix of modern and gothic aesthetics, giving an eerie atmosphere in the secluded mansion where the story unfolds.
What to Anticipate
The cinematic delight features high-paced action, horror that is somewhat claustrophobic in nature, and darkly humorous bits, Abigail is bound to be one of the most thrilling veil of horror films of 2024. Twists in vampire films are always interesting and this film guarantees an exciting experience with the perfect blend of gore, action, suspense, and horror.
There appears to be a strong power struggle and element of deception in the abduction as the captors are led to believe something that is not true, rendering them shocked about Abigail. These survivors are bound to make every attempt to outsmart the monstrous young girl while the audience suffers through moments of intense psychological tension along with copious amounts of carnage.
Release Date
April 19, 2024, only in cinemas
Movies Similar to Abigail (2024) That You Can Watch in Advance
If you are eagerly waiting for Abigail, perhaps these horror films with a thin plot level will interest you as well:
- Ready or Not (2019)
This movie, distributed by Radio Silence, focuses on a woman who is chased around by her wealthy in-laws in a deadly game of hide and seek. Like Abigail, it has some intense moments, dark humor, and an action-packed storyline.
- Let The Right One In (2008)
An incredible and spookingly touching tale of a lonely boy and a little girl who happens to be a vampire. Like Abigail, it tells the story of painfully heartbreaking partnerships between innocent children and terrifying paranormal beings.
- From Dusk Till Dawn (1996)
This Quentin Tarantino-written movie is about thieves who find themselves locked in a bar full of vampires. Sounds familiar? This is like Abigail where the captors have no clue what to expect and ditcher themselves in trouble. The movie intertwines fierce vampires, comedy, and action together.
- 30 Days of Night (2007)
Set in an Alaskan town filled with very terryfing and savage vampires dwelling during long nights, this movie has a lot of intense moments and frightening horror. A great tone to capture in Abigail.
- The Night Comes for Us (2018)
This Indonesian action-horror film may lack vampires, but it compensates with ruthless criminals, ultra-violent action, and survival storytelling that would resonate with Abigail’s themes.
Final Thoughts: Why You Should Be Excited for Abigail
If vampire horror, survival thrillers, or action-packed horror movies get you going, Abigail should definitely be on your watchlist.
With a strong horror pedigree, a solid cast, and an intense blood soaked premise, Abigail could easily be one of the top horror films of 2024. From Ready or Not and Scream, we should expect intense horror, surprising humor and blindingly shocking twists.