Abby [DVD]

Abby is a blaxploitation horror film directed by William Girdler, starring Carol Speed, William Marshall, and Terry Carter. The film is heavily inspired by The Exorcist (1973) but incorporates African spirituality and cultural elements.

Plot Summary:

Dr. Garrett Williams (William Marshall), a respected professor of theology and African religious studies, discovers an ancient Nigerian artifact related to the deity Eshu, a trickster spirit associated with chaos and sexuality. While investigating the artifact, Dr. Williams accidentally releases a powerful demonic force.

Unbeknownst to him, miles away in Louisville, Kentucky, his daughter-in-law, Abby Williams (Carol Speed), begins exhibiting disturbing behavior. Abby, a devoted wife and churchgoing woman, suddenly becomes possessed by an evil spirit. She experiences violent mood swings, vulgar outbursts, and an uncontrollable sexual appetite, terrifying her husband, Reverend Emmett Williams (Terry Carter), and their community.

As Abby's possession intensifies, she becomes more dangerous, leading to a series of supernatural events and violent encounters. Dr. Williams realizes the spirit he unleashed is now controlling Abby. He rushes back to exorcise the demon before it completely consumes her soul.

The film climaxes in a dramatic exorcism scene where Dr. Williams confronts the demon, using both his scholarly knowledge and spiritual strength to free Abby from its grip.

Legacy & Controversy:

Abby was a commercial success upon release but faced legal trouble when Warner Bros. sued the filmmakers, claiming it was too similar to The Exorcist. As a result, Abby was pulled from theaters and became difficult to find for years. However, it has since gained a cult following, particularly among fans of blaxploitation cinema and classic horror.