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:

• “She’d feel nothing.” – Dr. Caroline Caldwell (Glenn Close)

“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 

• “Pretend you’re really scared of me.” – Melanie

“Pretend?” – Sgt. Eddie Parks

Tips for parents: 

• A LOT of F-bombs. Some other profanity.
• Blood, gore, zombie attacks, violence, fighting

@trinaboice