If the Christmas break seems like an odd time to watch horror movies to you, then you might want to try changing your traditions. In my household, there's nothing quite as special as that late-night window at the end of Boxing Day, when scary movies can really cap the day off memorably.
In this age of giant corporations vying to be the best streaming service all the time, it can sometimes be difficult to narrow down your choices, so I'm here with one cast-iron recommendation if you want a fun, silly horror movie over the holidays. Abigail is a really good time, and it's now streaming on Amazon Prime Video here in the US at no extra cost.
This is a movie that doesn't hang around with a lengthy setup or introduction – it drops you straight into the action as a ragtag gang of scoundrels complete what they think is a relatively simple kidnapping job. When they get their 12-year old victim to a safehouse, they're told they need to sit tight overnight before they get paid.
From there, things almost immediately unravel as it becomes clear that both the house they're in and the girl they've kidnapped, the titular Abigail, are hiding dark and bloody secrets. Expect gory explosions, some hilarious dark humour, and some fun sets and design touches.
The movie's got a great cast, too with, Melissa Barrera and Dan Stevens in the two biggest roles, but fun support is offered by Giancarlo Esposito in particular. The more you find out about the film's lore, the more ridiculous things get, but it never takes itself particularly seriously, which helps a whole heap.
I watched Abigail for the first time on a recent long-haul flight, and it's the sort of movie that thrives even in that environment. The moment it finished, it jumped onto the running list I have in my head of movie options for the holidays. I know for sure that my siblings will have a great time cackling at it, although it may take a little more persuasion to bring my parents around.
Either way, it's on my watchlist now for when it's needed – I heartily recommend you follow suit and consider it this Christmas!
