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Abby is a 1974 horror movie directed by William Girdler and starring Carol Speed, William Marshall, and Terry Carter. The film tells the story of a young woman named Abby, who is possessed by a powerful African demon named Eshu after her husband brings back an ancient statue from Nigeria. As soon as Abby starts acting strange, her husband turns to his father, a preacher, for help. The preacher performs an exorcism on Abby, but it results in the demon leaving her body and finding a new host in the preacher himself. Now, Abby and her family must find a way to save the preacher before he is completely taken over by the demon's power.

The film was produced during a period known as the blaxploitation era, a movement in which African-American filmmakers aimed to produce films that showcased black characters and perspectives. Abby was a key example of this trend, as it depicted a black woman as the protagonist of a horror movie, a genre that was typically dominated by white male characters.

Despite its low budget and limited release, Abby was widely popular among audiences and soon gained a cult following. The movie was praised for its strong performances, particularly Carol Speed's portrayal of the titular character. Her performance was hailed as both frightening and sympathetic, as she convincingly portrayed the struggle that Abby faced while trying to overcome her possession.

William Marshall, best known for his role as Blacula in the 1972 horror movie of the same name, also gave a standout performance as the possessed preacher. His transformation from a gentle religious figure to a demonic, power-hungry monster was both unnerving and captivating to watch.

The film's soundtrack, composed by William A. Tennyson, was also a notable aspect of Abby. The score incorporated African rhythms and percussion instruments, reflecting the film's themes of African mysticism and supernatural forces.

Despite its popularity, Abby faced criticism from some viewers who felt that the film perpetuated negative stereotypes about African religions and spirituality. Some argued that the portrayal of Eshu, a Yoruba deity, was inaccurate and disrespectful. Nevertheless, the film remains an important example of the blaxploitation genre and a unique addition to the horror movie canon.

Overall, Abby is an intense and memorable horror movie that effectively combines supernatural elements with a socially-conscious message. The film's strong performances, haunting score, and innovative direction make it a must-see for horror fans and anyone interested in the history of African-American cinema.