How Ava Cantrell Got Hands-On for Her Viral Horror Film, Abigail
Slasher-horror flick Abigail first released on VOD in December of last year, but since debuting on major streaming platforms last month during San Diego Comic-Con week, it's found a whole new life as a viral streaming success.
The film follows the titular Abigail, played by actress Ava Cantrell, a teen girl in the '70s who befriends a bullied boy before exacting vengeance on those who've wronged him (and taking things way too far in the process). The film is currently trending on Tubi, and is so beloved by its viewers that it has an incredible Audience Score of 93% on Rotten Tomatoes. You can watch the movie for free on Tubi HERE right now, and keep scrolling to read our new interview with Ava discussing her history as an actor, what the film's success has meant to her and so much more.
Sweety High: When did you discover your passion for acting? Was there any specific a-ha moment that made you realize it was the path for you?
Ava Cantrell: I was a competitive dancer like you see on Dance Moms, and what I loved most about the dancing was telling a story through the music and choreography. The more drama or comedy in the music, the more I loved it. I figured out that it wasn't the dancing that was my favorite, it was the performance. When I was 4, I got put in the back row of a dance even though I was the shortest of everyone. I asked my mom, how do I get in the front, and she said "learn the dance." LOL.
(Photo credit: Ava Cantrell Photography)
SH: What would you say was your first big break?
AC: The Haunted Hathaways on Nickelodeon was my first big break. I booked the role of Penelope Pritchard, who was the antagonist to the main characters for one episode. The writers and producers loved it so much they kept writing new story lines for Penelope to return for both the first season and the second season. It was such a blast to play such a kooky, crazy doll girl. I was only 11 at the time, so filming on the Paramount lot with a bunch of other kids was so much fun.
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SH: Can you tell us a little bit about Abigail? What's the film about, and what drew you to the project?
AC: Abigail is a slasher-horror set in the 1970s where a teen and her mom move to a small town to escape their past. Abigail makes friends with the neighbor next door, who is being bullied by a couple of kids. She starts out just trying to help him fight back, but she takes things too far and pulls him into her twisted world. I loved the script and the twists that happen, and I was so excited to be able to play Abigail. She is such a complicated character with the ability to move through the world by her own rules. I loved the challenge of changing her from one personality to another, as she morphed to achieve her goals, twisted as they may be.
(Abigail via Dark Star Pictures)
SH: Would you say you're like Abigail in real life? In what ways are you similar, and in what ways are you very different?
AC: Oh, I hope not! She is the last person anyone should be friends with, lol. I do like that she has the confidence handle herself in all situations. I did get to do a lot of fighting and stunt work, which I loved. Shortly after filming, I wanted to learn more about stunt work and decided to learn a martial art. I picked Muay Thai after trying several out and have been going consistently for almost two years now. I am also in the teacher training program. So, I would say Abigail and I are both tough and not to judge us on how we look.
SH: What was your favorite memory from the set?
AC: Where we filmed there were horses, dogs, mules, chicken and a cow and it was so much fun being around all the farm animals and locations. I'm a beach girl at heart but it was so cool to hang out around farms and ranches for almost a month.
(Abigail via Dark Star Pictures)
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SH: What has it meant to you that viewers have responded so positively to Abigail, and that it's now more widely available on streaming for even more fans to see?
AC: It means the world to me that anyone who wants to watch can find it easily now. There are some scary parts and some gross parts, but Abigail is a fun movie that will take you on a ride. When you get near the end, I think people are surprised at what happens. It's unexpected and I love that in a movie.
(Photo credit: Ava Cantrell Photography)
SH: Where else can we see your work right now?
AC: You can watch Abigail right now on Tubi for free. You can still find Lights Out on streaming apps, Young Sheldon just went to Netflix and Haunted Hathaways is on Paramount+. You can also follow me on Instagram @avacantrell.
SH: Is there anything else you'd like to add?
AC: The Abigail movie just got a Latin American distributor, so if any of your readers are in that territory, they need to get ready to watch in the coming months!
For more insights from our favorite stars, click HERE to read our interview with Boot Camp actress Rachel Boudwin.