The Girl With All The Gifts presents a satisfying spin on the zombie movie genre

Movie Title: The Girl With All the Gifts

Grade: B+

Rating: R, 1 hour 51 minutes

In a Nutshell: This dystopian horror drama is based on the best-selling book by M.R. Cary and delivers a satisfying spin.

There are some typical zombie tropes in this British film, but there is more to it than a predictable splatter-fest.

Uplifting theme:

“Hope is the good thing that makes you be able to stand all of the bad things.” – Helen Justineau (Gemma Arterton)
“They just want to live. Everyone does.” – Melanie (Sennia Nanua)
Humanity vs. science
Look for the images that reveal the theme of nature claiming humanity. Even the zombies have emerging layers of moss on their faces and bodies. Fascinating.

Things I liked:

Sennia Nanua is delightful…in a creepy way.
The ending is really fun and different.
I’m told that the film is backed by real science in parts.
There is a good atmospheric score by Cristobal Tapia de Veer that sets the mood and seamlessly blends into sound effects.
I thought the two mother figures offered interesting metaphors.

Things I didn’t like:

It’s hard to stand a chance against zombies who RUN!
Most of the characters make some really dumb choices.
The CGI of London didn’t look very real at times.
I kind of go into a food coma after I eat too. Ha ha
I haven’t read the book, but I hear that the 3rd act of the movie adaptation was negatively changed from the book’s more satisfying final unfolding. Isn’t that kind of a cliche though…the book is always better than the movie…except maybe Lord of the Rings: The Motion Picture Trilogy – Extended Edition (The Fellows….

Interesting lines:

“That’s more your thing than hers.” – Helen

Funny lines:

“Was that cathartic?” – Dr. Caroline Caldwell
“Now our mission is to keep ourselves off the F-ing menu.” – Sgt. Eddie Parks (Paddy Considine)
“Do you want a cat?” Helen

“I already had one.” – Melanie