Dark Star Pictures, a distribution company specializing in horror films, has acquired the North American rights to the teen horror movie “Abigail” directed by Melissa Vitello and starring Ava Cantrell. The film is set to have a theatrical release in select theaters in December 2023, followed by transactional home entertainment sales. Dark Star president Michael Repsch described “Abigail” as a “wild descent into the teen psyche” and highlighted its exploration of important topics such as bullying, racism, mental health, and gender stereotypes, while staying true to the core horror genre.
“Abigail” is set in 1976 and follows the story of Abigail Cole, a troubled teen portrayed by Ava Cantrell, and her mother as they move to a small Alabama town in the hopes of escaping Abigail’s violent past. In this new town, Abigail befriends her neighbor Lucas, a boy who is mercilessly bullied by a group of kids at school. Determined to help Lucas seek revenge, Abigail takes matters into her own hands, but soon things spiral out of control. As Lucas discovers the dark and twisted nature of his new friend, their relationship takes a deadly turn. Lucas must now choose between standing by Abigail’s side or stopping her before it’s too late.
Director and producer Melissa Vitello expressed her excitement about working on “Abigail,” describing it as an opportunity to explore everything she loves about the twisted teen genre and coming-of-age rage. She also expressed her gratitude to Dark Star Pictures for finding a home for the film.
In addition to Ava Cantrell, the ensemble cast of “Abigail” includes Tren Reed-Brown, Richard Cotton, Hermoine Lynch, and veteran actor Gene Farber. The film was produced by Dark Gravity Studios, the production company behind many successful horror films.
The North American distribution deal for “Abigail” was negotiated by Melissa Vitello, Stacy Snyder, and executive producer Bryan Cantrell on behalf of the filmmakers, and Michael Repsch on behalf of Dark Star Pictures.
Dark Star Pictures is known for its focus on independent horror films and has a track record of successful releases in the genre. They have built a reputation for discovering unique and thought-provoking horror films that blend social commentary with entertainment.
“Abigail” promises to deliver a thrilling and thought-provoking experience for horror enthusiasts. By addressing important social issues such as bullying, racism, mental health, and gender stereotypes, the film aims to engage audiences in a meaningful way while providing the blood-soaked fun that is characteristic of the horror genre.
The teen horror genre has seen a resurgence in recent years with the success of films like “It,” “Get Out,” and “A Quiet Place.” These movies have proven that there is a market for horror films that go beyond simple scares and delve into deeper themes and social commentary. “Abigail” appears to be following in the footsteps of these successful films by tackling relevant issues while delivering an entertaining horror experience.
Furthermore, the 1976 setting of “Abigail” adds a nostalgic and atmospheric touch to the film. This backdrop allows the audience to immerse themselves in a time when horror movies were at their peak, paying homage to classic horror films while also bringing a fresh perspective to the genre.
With Dark Star Pictures backing “Abigail,” the film is likely to gain significant attention within the horror community. The company’s expertise and experience in distributing independent horror films will ensure that “Abigail” reaches its intended audience and has the opportunity to make an impact in the genre.
In conclusion, “Abigail” is an upcoming teen horror movie that explores important social issues while providing a thrilling and entertaining experience. With Dark Star Pictures acquiring the North American rights, the film is set to reach audiences in select theaters in December 2023, followed by home entertainment sales. This partnership between director Melissa Vitello and Dark Star Pictures promises to deliver a unique and thought-provoking horror film that will captivate audiences and contribute to the ongoing evolution of the genre.
