Maggie (2015)

Dir Henry Hobson

Written by John Scott 3

Arnold Schwarzenegger, Abigail Breslin, Joely Richardson.

In a bleak, post apocalyptic America, a deadly virus called the Necroambulist virus has been causing chaos as it slowly turns people into cannibalistic zombies. Young Maggie (Breslin) has recently been bitten by an infected, and is now herself infected. Her doctors have told her father Wade (Schwarzenegger) to take her home until she becomes severe enough to be quarantined at a facility.

As the weeks go by, Maggie struggles to re connect with her step mother Caroline (Richardson), who has sent her children away to protect them from what will become of Maggie.

Different take on the zombie apocalypse craze, with this feature being a drama – rather than action/gore filled. It primarily revolves around the relationship between Wade and Maggie (or Marguerite), and their bond; the memories they share of their late wife/mother as they prepare for the inevitable.

It is beautifully shot, with warmer colour tones to almost give calming effect to the audience. It is beautifully pared with a hauntingly melodramatic score that adds to the dramatic moments of the film.

Schwarzenegger plays against type here, whereby he has few physical moments in the film (it is a zombie movie after all), instead he plays the devoted father who is heartbroken that he is losing his daughter, but must be strong for her and his new wife. He completely holds his own in the dramatic role.

Breslin is equally as impressive as the poor Maggie who is infected, and spends her last weeks with her family, and with other friends who also have the virus, who fear the dreaded quarantine.

Very fine film, give it a watch.

4/5