A group of kidnappers captures the daughter of a powerful underworld figure and demands $50 million for her release, unaware that something sinister is at play.
Directors Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett successfully blend horror and comedy with a novel story by Stephen Shields and Guy Busick. Tonally it gives off vibes reminiscent of From Dusk Till Dawn and echoes elements from Interview with the Vampire.
With moments of dark humour, Shields and Busick's script maintains a brisk pace, constantly keeping you on edge while allowing just enough lightness to make Bettinelli-Olpin and Gillett's visuals all the more unsettling. The backstory is a little ambiguous, which adds to the mystique and hints at possible sequel or prequel setups.
The film's eerie, atmospheric tone is set early on. Dan Stevens' nonchalant character is notable, and Melissa Barrera's feisty, sharp lead leaves a strong impression. However, the star of the show is the mysterious Abigail, played brilliantly by Alisha Weir.
The horror tension is broken by moments of well-timed levity, with much of the comic relief coming from Kathryn Newton, alongside the likeable performances of Will Catlett and a bulked-up, memorable Kevin Durand.
Although some of the action sequences are overlong, (less is sometimes more) the standout elements are the great special effects, abundance of blood, unexpected twists, and sinister reveals.
Overall, it's an atmospheric, fun, gory ride with standout performances-certainly worth checking out.
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