Abraham's Boys (2025) Overlook Film Festival Review

When your father tells you something, you believe it-- at all costs. And a young Max Van Helsing paid the price in the latest short story adaptation, Abraham's Boys.

Directed by Natasha Kermani (Lucky), Abraham's Boys explores that type of devotion with a Western, gothic backdrop. Adapted from a short story by Joe Hill, the film gives us insight into Van Helsing's life after his encounter with Dracula. Captured in a 4:3 aspect ratio and an exquisite black-and-white scene, Kermani takes us to an isolated home in the West where a family battles an evil from within its walls. 

Abraham Van Helsing, played by Titus Welliver, is a formidable giant in the eyes of his sons. Titus captures the essence of a protective father and husband who is willing to do whatever it takes to keep evil at bay. His presence is large and eerily looming throughout the film. His words are harsh and forceful, leaving no room for anyone to question him. So when his wife, Mina (Jocelin Donahue), starts to show symptoms of vampirism, he springs into action, ready to do what must be done to save her soul. Their two sons, Max (Brady Hepner) and Rudy (Judah Mackey), only want to help their mother and bend to their father's word, even if it goes against their core beliefs. 

Kermani captures the 1900s in a western horror unlike anything I have seen before. Where other films in this subgenre fall short, Abraham's Boys nails atmospheric dread and authenticity. Something is coming, and it is felt in every corner of this family home. From the opening sequence, Kermani brings us into the story, making the film feel more like an experience. 

This one is a slow burn, which I attribute to it being adapted from a short story. Heavily weighted by its dialogue, the film does have moments that drag, but it picks up steam as it goes into its final act and the frailty of Dr. Van Helsing's antics is revealed. And of course, there's blood and gore. Don't we all love that? 

Sorry to disappoint, but if a typical vampire film is what you are expecting, Abraham's Boys is not that. If you have a passion for Dracula lore, something is intriguing in how the story reshapes familiar mythology into something fresh and different. Natasha Kermani is a director to watch, as this film is beautiful, and her artistry is clear in every frame. While the film doesn’t quite hit all the marks for me, there are some stand out moments that make it worth watching. 

Abraham's Boys premiered at Overlook Film Festival. Check out the rest of our festival coverage.