Abraham’s Boys (2025) Movie Review – A Fresh Take on Vampire Legacy

1 week ago

0 0 3 minutes read

Abraham’s Boys (2025) Review – A Chilling Vampire Tale Reimagined

Director: Natasha Kermani
Starring: Titus Welliver, Brady Hepner, Judah Mackey, Jocelin Donahue, Aurora Perrineau
Genre: Horror, Drama
Runtime: 1 hr 29 min
Release Date: July 11, 2025
Distributor: IFC Films
Based on: Joe Hill’s short story from 20th Century Ghosts

A Haunting Legacy Reimagined: Abraham’s Boys Movie Review

Abraham’s Boys is a slow-burning horror-drama that revisits vampire lore from a fresh and grounded perspective. Adapted from Joe Hill’s short story, the film explores the aftermath of Count Dracula’s demise through the eyes of vampire hunter Abraham Van Helsing and his family, now relocated to early 20th-century California. But the true horror isn’t just fangs or blood—it’s the psychological scars passed down from father to sons.

The Plot – What Is Abraham’s Boys About?

Set in 1915, nearly two decades after Dracula’s defeat, Abraham’s Boys follows Dr. Abraham Van Helsing (Titus Welliver), who has moved his wife Mina (Jocelin Donahue) and two sons—Max (Brady Hepner) and Rudy (Judah Mackey)—to a remote home in California. As he tries to bury his past, rumors, paranoia, and buried trauma begin to resurface. Abraham is determined to prepare his sons for the darkness that still lurks—but are the real monsters supernatural, or are they hiding within the family itself?

A Psychological Horror Rooted in Myth and Trauma

Unlike traditional vampire movies, Abraham’s Boys isn’t about jump scares or gothic castles. It’s a haunting psychological thriller that leans heavily on atmosphere and the mystery surrounding Van Helsing’s past. The horror is subtle, emerging slowly through interactions, emotional tension, and the fear of not knowing what’s real.

Director Natasha Kermani (known for Lucky and Imitation Girl) brings an artful approach, balancing realism with oneiric dream sequences. The result is a unique tone—half coming-of-age mystery, half reimagined vampire myth. However, some viewers may find the film’s pacing slow or the visuals too abstract for mainstream horror expectations.

Powerful Performances, But Uneven Character Depth

Titus Welliver is outstanding as the hardened, secretive Abraham. His stern demeanor and mysterious past create a compelling presence that anchors the film. Jocelin Donahue (as Mina) adds quiet emotional weight but is sadly underutilized. Aurora Perrineau’s character, Elsie, provides an important contrast to the Van Helsing family, though her arc feels underdeveloped and slightly out of place.

Brady Hepner (from The Black Phone) and Judah Mackey, as the sons, deliver strong performances—especially Mackey, whose character Rudy adds an emotional heartbeat to the story. The film’s emotional conflict hinges on the strained father-son relationships, and while it succeeds thematically, some characters could have used more narrative depth.

Style Over Scream – Cinematography and Tone

Cinematographer work shines in Abraham’s Boys, with striking natural lighting, well-composed shots, and moody visuals that enhance the slow-building tension. Rather than gore, Kermani builds horror through discomfort, suspense, and family dynamics. The tension unfolds in daylight as well as darkness—rare for a vampire film.

That said, the dreamlike sequences sometimes clash with the grounded story, creating tonal inconsistencies. A more focused approach might have made the emotional and horror elements hit harder.

Abraham’s Boys (2025) Movie Trailer

Final Verdict – Is Abraham’s Boys Worth Watching? – Abraham’s Boys Movie Review

Abraham’s Boys offers an intelligent, restrained horror experience that fans of gothic fiction and psychological thrillers will appreciate. It’s not for those looking for fast-paced vampire action or traditional scares, but it succeeds in telling a deeper, more human story about fear, family, and legacy.

If you enjoy elevated horror with strong performances and emotional depth, this unique take on the Van Helsing mythos is worth your time. Just don’t expect a traditional vampire hunt—this is horror at its most introspective.

Pros: