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Abar, released in 1977, is a low-budget horror film that stands out for its portrayal of Black middle-class life in the United States. Directed and produced by Frank Packard, the film tells the story of a family that moves into a white neighborhood in Los Angeles and faces persecution from their neighbors. The movie's central character is Reverend Leon Alcott (J. Walter Smith), an African-American doctor who relocates to California with his wife and children. They move to a predominantly white neighborhood, where they face hostility from the local residents. Their house is vandalized, and they receive threats and insults from their new neighbors, who do not approve of their presence. The Alcotts soon realize that they have entered a world of racism and discrimination, where they are not welcome.

In this context, the movie introduces the enigmatic figure of Abar (Tobar Mayo), an African witch doctor who claims to have supernatural powers. Abar becomes the Alcotts' ally, offering them his protection against the racist attacks they are suffering. He tells them that he can use his powers to make their tormentors pay for their actions. Abar is a controversial character, as he is both feared and admired by the people around him. He seems to embody the cultural and spiritual heritage of the Black community, and his presence in the movie adds an element of mysticism and fantasy to the story.

As the plot develops, Abar's powers become more prominent, and the movie takes a more supernatural turn. The witch doctor performs a series of rituals and spells aimed at protecting the Alcotts and punishing their enemies. His interventions provoke awe and fear among the white inhabitants of the neighborhood, who see him as a threat to their safety and well-being. However, Abar's powers are not enough to overcome the systemic racism that the Alcotts are facing. They realize that they are trapped in a system that oppresses them and that their individual efforts to fight back may not be enough.

Abar is a socially conscious movie that addresses issues of race, class, and identity in the urban United States of the 1970s. The film is both a horror story and a sociological commentary, blending elements of supernatural terror with realistic portrayals of Black family life. The story is told from the perspective of the Alcotts, who are portrayed as sympathetic and relatable characters. They represent a middle-class Black family striving for a better life, but they are constantly reminded of their minority status and the discrimination they face.

The movie features a strong cast, with J. Walter Smith delivering a solid performance as Reverend Alcott. Smith brings depth and authenticity to his character, conveying the frustration and anger that the Alcotts feel in the face of injustice. Tobar Mayo is also highly effective as Abar, bringing a sense of mystery and otherworldliness to his role. Roxie Young, who plays the Alcotts' daughter, gives a convincing portrayal of a young woman struggling with the challenges of adolescence and racial identity.

In terms of production values, Abar is a modest movie with a limited budget. The special effects and makeup are not always convincing, and some of the scenes feel dated and low-tech. However, the movie compensates for these limitations with strong storytelling, memorable characters, and a palpable sense of tension and drama. The movie's soundtrack, composed by jazz legend Buddy Collette, adds to the film's atmosphere of foreboding and unease.

Overall, Abar is a thought-provoking and engaging horror movie that deserves more recognition than it has received. It combines supernatural frights with social commentary, making it a unique and important film for its time. The movie addresses complex issues of race, power, and identity in a way that is both entertaining and enlightening. It is a must-see for horror fans and anyone interested in African-American culture and history.

Abar is a 1977 action movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 41 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 4.3.