Abigail’s decision to spare Joey’s life is tied to a deal she made with her. The promise was sealed with a pinky swear, something Joey had done early in the film. But it wasn’t just that Joey had promised to help Abigail defeat Frank.
She also saved Abigail’s life in the final scene and showed the most kindness to the ballerina throughout the movie. Melissa Barrera’s portrayal of Joey displayed how protective she was of Abigail, especially when no one else stood up for her.
Abigail sees kindness where others see a monster (Photo: Abigail/Radio Silence Productions, Project X Entertainment, and MRC in partnership with Universal Pictures)Abigail might have also seen that Joey wanted to do right by her son. Killing her would have left Caleb without a mother, which Abigail could not bear, having already been abandoned by her father. The idea of a child being left behind weighed on her heart.
Joey had the power to kill both Frank and Abigail once she turned into a vampire, but instead, she chose to help Abigail, showing her genuine loyalty and trust.
How Abigail’s Ending Sets Up Abigail 2
The Ending Leaves The Door Open For Abigail & Her Father To Return
Though Joey walks away from the carnage with her life, Abigail and her father remain a serious threat. Crucially, it seems that Abigail and Kristof Lazar have reconciled, hinting that they may team up in the future.
While Abigail lets Joey go, she doesn’t promise to stop her bloodthirsty ways, and with Kristof on her side, Abigail 2 could become an even bloodier affair. Joey, now the sole survivor, could also turn into a vampire hunter, pursuing Abigail and her father.
Even though Abigail’s ending hints at more bloody encounters, a sequel is not necessary. The filmmakers, Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett are open to the idea of continuing the story but have stated that Abigail’s character has reached a “definitive and satisfying end.”
While a sequel would be welcomed, it’s not essential for the film’s closure.
The Real Meaning Of Abigail Explained
Abigail Was Someone With Daddy Issues
Abigail flips the script by making the criminals the victims, showing a different side of the vampire story. Even though Abigail is an immensely powerful vampire, her ending serves as a reminder not to judge anyone by appearances or preconceived ideas.
This lesson extends to the Rat Pack as well, as each of them had their unique backgrounds and skills that didn’t fit the usual mold. Joey’s struggles with being a bad mother and pushing her son away are counterbalanced by Abigail, who teaches her that sometimes all it takes is showing up.
How The Abigail Ending Was Received
Joey’s final act proves love can be stronger than power (Photo: Abigail/Radio Silence Productions, Project X Entertainment, and MRC in partnership with Universal Pictures)Critics Praised The Twists Of Abigail
The film received praise from both critics and audiences, earning a strong 83% certified fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with an even higher audience score of 85%. Much of the acclaim was directed at the unexpected storyline and the playful way in which the child vampire toyed with her victims.
Despite this, a bad ending could have ruined the experience, but Abigail’s conclusion was well-received, with most agreeing that it stuck the landing. In his review for CNN, critic Brian Lowry shared that he had modest expectations going in but was impressed by how the filmmakers played with familiar tropes. He said:
“Although there’s an obvious formula to this sort of fare, the filmmakers do their best to play with that… Abigail mostly makes the right steps, and by the time it’s over, that tiny dancer, and her captors, have had a busy day indeed.”
This sentiment was echoed by most critics, with Frank Scheck from The Hollywood Reporter describing the film as “gleefully anarchic,” setting it apart from other vampire stories. However, there were some negative reviews.
Richard Roeper of the Chicago Sun-Times found the script repetitive and tedious, though his views were in the minority. The overall reception suggests that the film and its ending hit the right notes for most viewers.
Abigail’s Ending Compared To Other Dracula Movies
Abigail Shows A New Side Of Dracula
While the fact that Abigail is a Dracula movie is hidden for much of the film, the reveal offers a fresh take on the iconic vampire. Traditionally, Dracula is the villain, with the heroes eventually defeating him, as seen in classics like the 1931 Dracula and Nosferatu.
However, Abigail breaks this pattern and shows a different side of the vampire myth. In contrast to films like Renfield and The Last Voyage of the Demeter, where Dracula’s defeat isn’t assured, Abigail doesn’t present a gentler version of Dracula as seen in Dracula Untold.
Instead, it portrays him as a ruthless figure, one of the most brutal crime lords. Yet, the ending is unexpected, as this version of Dracula shows mercy. Not only does Matthew Goode’s Dracula spare Joey’s life, but he does so out of love for his daughter, showcasing a softer side rarely seen in other portrayals of the character.
