Abigail (2024)

Abigail holds back its big secret for a whole act, and it’s not much of a secret: the kidnapped little ballerina is a vampire. Melissa Barrera, Dan Stevens, Kathryn Newton, Kevin Durand, Will Catlett and Angus Cloud play a crew hired to grab Abigail and guard her in a spooky mansion for one day while her father pays up. Barrera’s Joey, a former Army medic, gets stuck minding the kid and is the one who starts to care about her. Alisha Weir is a wonder as Abigail, sweet and polite one moment and a centuries-old menace the next. Stevens savors every line as Frank, the crew’s would-be leader. The back half gets loud and messy, and the twists keep coming after the story has made its point. It holds an 83% on Rotten Tomatoes and made $42.8 million worldwide on a reported $28M. A 6.9 because the cast keeps it lively even when the plot overstays. $624.09 says you walk past a ballet recital poster this year and take the long way around it.

What works: Alisha Weir is a terrific pint-sized menace, and the ensemble, especially Dan Stevens and Kathryn Newton, plays the dark comedy perfectly.

What doesn’t: The big turn is easy to guess long before the crew catches on, and the chaotic back half keeps stacking twists well after it has made its point.

Who it’s for: Horror comedy fans who like a game ensemble and a spooky old house.