Abigail's Party

Abigail's Party

(5)
Genres
Runtime1h 42min
Age3+
DirectorMike Leigh
Rating94% ()

Cast

Alison Steadman
Tim Stern
Janine Duvitski
John Salthouse
Harriet Reynolds

Plot Summary

Abigails Party is a 1977 British comedy-drama about a group of suburbanites and the chaos that ensues when they come together for a party. The story follows Beverly, a pretentious hostess, who invites her neighbors over for a night of drinks and lighthearted banter. However, the night quickly descends into chaos as the guests struggle to contain their innermost tensions and anxieties. As the drama develops, Beverly finds herself increasingly out of her depth, unable to control the situation. Abigails Party is a darkly comic exploration of the stresses and anxieties of suburban life.

Characters

The characters in Abigails Party are what make it so memorable. Theyre all so distinct, its hard to pick a favorite. Take Angela, for example. Shes the loud, boisterous host of the party, always in control and trying to make sure everyone has a good time. Then theres Tony, her husband, whos a bit more reserved, but still puts up a good show for the guests. And of course, theres Beverly and Laurence, the snobby couple next door, who always seem to be trying to one-up each other.

Its these characters that make Abigails Party such an enduring classic. Who wouldnt love to know someone like Angela, or Beverly and Laurence? Or maybe you identify with Tony, trying to make the best of an awkward situation? Whichever one you relate to, each character has something special that makes them memorable.

Themes

One of the key themes in Abigails Party is the need for people to keep up appearances. This is demonstrated by the characters attempts to create a perfect portrait of their lives and relationships, even though they are all deeply unhappy.

This theme of keeping up appearances is further explored through the characters attitudes towards alcohol. Despite their underlying dissatisfaction, they still use alcohol to numb their emotions and to feel accepted.

Ultimately, Abigails Party reveals how, in an effort to fit in, people can be willing to sacrifice their true sense of self.

Reviews

I enjoyed Abigail's Party because it was a dark comedy that was both witty and insightful

I recommend Abigail's Party for fans of British comedy

I like Abigail's Party movie because it is a classic British comedy that satirizes the 1970s middle-class lifestyle

Abigail's Party is unique due to its odd characters, dark comedy, and the twisted dynamics between the characters

Abigail's Party is fantastic movie for the reason that it is a classic British comedy about middle-class life in the 1970s

Top Movies

Euphoria

Euphoria

TV Show

5
Dexter: New Blood

Dexter: New Blood

TV Show

5
Boy

Boy

Movies

4
Babs

Babs

Movies

4
Apollo 11

Apollo 11

Movies

4
Anguish

Anguish

Movies

3