Abigail is exhibit A for not paying attention to trailers. Until a week ago, the only thing I knew about this film is that it was horror (and might have something to do with dance). Then I caught the tail end of a trailer and it spoiled what the movie is really about… something the movie itself goes to great pains to surprise you with in a sudden turn.

Abigail is a stealth vampire film about a gang of criminals who kidnap a young girl and hole up in a mansion waiting for the ransom to be paid. But – surprise – after a lengthy first act, it turns out little Abigail is actually a blood-thirsty vampire and the criminals are lunch.

This movie is a ton of fun… a real gem of a vampire flick. It’s smart about its lore with its survivors having to name check a bunch of vampire movies to figure out what rule set they are working with. It’s funny in a winking, satisfyingly splattery kind of way… and the little girl vampire a pretty compelling villain.

The cast of survivors are pretty good too with most of them having enough depth to have personality. It isn’t a bunch of people you will root for but at least they make them interesting.

The level of gore is commendable… very splattery, explodey, and stabby. It’s not a subtle film but I thoroughly enjoyed the wanton carnage… most of which was played for shock laughs. I’m not sure how scary the movie is meant to be, but it sure was gory.

The third act finale did get a little messy (double meaning intended). Probably there was a way to resolve the film without so many turn-abouts and surprises. But it wasn’t so dragged out as to lose my interest. I wasn’t bored just wondering if the script needed another pass.

Abigail is an enjoyable vampire movie even though it’s a spoiler to include it in that category. But I guess most everyone will have seen the trailer so will be in the same boat I was (waiting for the shoe to drop). It’s funny, energetic, and gory.

Score: 86