Netflix Horror Film 'Abigail' Reportedly Made Viewers Vomit from Gore
A 2024 horror film that allegedly caused some audience members to vomit during screenings due to its extreme gore is set to debut on Netflix UK in just days. Abigail, starring Dan Stevens, Melissa Barrera, Kathryn Newton, Giancarlo Esposito, and Alisha Weir in the title role, will be available for streaming starting February 22, allowing viewers to experience the carnage from their own homes.
Plot and Premise
The film follows a group of criminals who kidnap the 12-year-old daughter of a powerful underworld figure, holding her for ransom in an isolated mansion. Their plan quickly unravels when they discover the young girl is actually a bloodthirsty vampire, turning the predators into prey. The trailer showcases Abigail hacking, slashing, and jetéing through her adversaries with brutal ease, setting the stage for a violent and chaotic narrative.
Early Reactions and Critical Praise
Early reviews from film fans and critics have highlighted the movie's intense gore and wild entertainment value. Reports from a London screening indicated that one attendee vomited due to the sheer amount of blood depicted on screen. GamesRadar+’s Emily Murray commented on social media, noting, "The girl next to Tom threw up at the sheer amount of blood… meanwhile I was delighted by the gore!" Similarly, Eammon Jacobs added, "Abigail is a gore-soaked riot. That’s it. That’s the tweet. Also shout out to the girl on our row who threw up at the ending…"
Critics have praised the film for its fresh take on the vampire genre. V/H/S producer Brad Miska described it as "a delight. A whimsical, breezy, and fresh approach to the vampire genre. It’s both funny and has bite – a Radio Silence specialty. Good stuff. Super gory, too!" Many have also lauded Alisha Weir's performance as the titular vampire ballerina, with Paul Klein stating, "Abigail is a blast, good frights and a game cast make this so much fun. Always great to get a new vampire film and Alisha Weir continues to be a fantastic actress. If you loved Ready or Not, you’ll love this too. Bloody, gore-filled mayhem."
Cast and Crew Insights
Directed by Matt Bettinelli-Olpin, Abigail has been compared to classics like The Lost Boys and From Dusk Till Dawn. Film critic Cody Leach noted, "Abigail is everything I want in a vampire flick: great characters, big laughs, and gallons of blood! The most fun I’ve had in the theater this year." Dan Stevens, who stars in the film, shared his admiration for co-star Alisha Weir, saying, "She is the sweetest, loveliest character. One of the most professional people I’ve ever worked with… I think we were all just in awe of her."
Other notable praise came from Fangoria’s Jason Kauzlarich, who highlighted the ensemble cast, and Never Split Up podcast host Anthony Dapuzzo, who called it "a bloody blast that will have you laughing & cheering." The film has been described as a crowd-pleaser with minor pacing issues, but overall, a fun and silly popcorn horror movie.
Social Media Buzz
Following its premiere, fans took to social media to express their enthusiasm. SlashFilm critic BJ Colangelo declared, "HAHAHAHA HOLY S**T. #Abigail just set the bar as the most fun you can have with a horror movie in 2024." Collider writer Perri Nemiroff added, "Abigail is MY kinda movie… It’s a blood-soaked bonkers good time." The film has quickly garnered a reputation as one of the best horror releases of the year, with many anticipating it will become a frequent rewatch for fans of the genre.
As Abigail prepares to hit Netflix UK, viewers can expect a gruesome, entertaining ride that blends horror, humor, and excessive gore, making it a must-watch for fans of vampire films and intense thrillers alike.
