The Girl With All The Gifts – Starring
In a post-apocalyptic future, humanity has been devastated by a mutated fungal disease that has turned most of the Earth’s population into ravenous zombies, known as ‘hungries’. In a secure army base in Birmingham, a group of scientists experiment on part-human, part-hungry, hybrid children in the hope of finding a possible cure to the epidemic.
In this fortified facility, teacher Helen Justineau (Arterton) believes ten-year-old Melanie (Nanua) may hold the answers to a future cure but objects to her superior, Dr. Caroline Caldwell (Close)’s plan to kill her for further experimentation. When the survivors find their base under attack from hungries they are forced to flee to England’s destroyed capital where they continue their fight for survival and for a better future.
Based on M.R. Carey’s novel, this story and subsequent film goes well beyond your bog-standard zombie movie. In fact, the strong relationships render the zombie element almost mute. This is an excellently directed and acted film with a serious message about humanity and its belief that it is the rightful heir to the earth.
My tip, try to overcome the zombie element and see it for its storyline and acting. I doubt you’ll be disappointed.
Verdict: A well driven insightful drama with a good message and sound acting from all, especially its child star. ****
This film will be shown at The Harbour Club, Portscatho on Monday 6th February