Film Review: A Star is Born in a Thrilling Horror Masterpiece “Abigail”

Anyone can become an entertainer, but it takes genuine talent to showcase skills that come naturally. If you remember the release of “Leon” (1994) with Natalie Portman or “I Am Sam” (2001) with Dakota Fanning, you’ll likely agree that it takes just one scene to reveal a future star of the cinematic universe. And if it’s not Alisha Weir, then who could it be?

Written by Stephen Shields and Guy Busick and directed by Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett, “Abigail” follows the titular character (Alisha Weir), a 12-year-old girl kidnapped by a group of criminals hoping to demand ransom from her wealthy and famous father. As they lock her in a grand mansion, waiting for a positive outcome, the criminals remain unaware that the real threat comes from within the premises they believe to be secure.

Set in New York City, young ballet dancer Abigail is rehearsing alone when she is suddenly abducted. Lambert, the crime leader, orders his team, led by Frank (Dan Stevens), a former corrupt police detective, to keep the girl in Wilhelm Manor for twenty-four hours. Joe (Melissa Barrera) is the only one trusted to look after Abigail, with strict instructions that Abigail should not see any faces or hear any names. It doesn’t take long for the team to fail spectacularly, as they soon realize they are not alone in the manor.

What begins as an action film quickly transforms into a bloody and graphic horror movie that can satisfy even the most curious viewers. From the start, it’s clear the film will be a wild ride. What becomes entertainment for the audience turns into a nightmare for its characters, demonstrating that opponents should never be underestimated. Eventually, Frank, Joe, Dean (the late Angus Cloud), Peter (Kevin Durand), Rickles (Will Catlett), and Sammy (Kathryn Newton) realize that the actual threat is Abigail herself—a master manipulator and a formidable force who can defeat them all with little effort.

“Abigail” is an excellent and innovative horror film that allows Alisha Weir to step out of her comfort zone and shine as an emerging star of modern cinema. She is the future actor we will grow to admire. Her performance has a quality that makes any film she is in appear stunning. She delivers each line with such confidence that you will be in awe of her. This is why the film succeeds—not merely because of the stellar cast, but because of the perfect Abigail, who captures the true essence of power, horror, and the surreal experience that can be unleashed by the least expected individual.