A zombie film starring Hollywood superstar Arnold Schwarzenegger sees his second entry into the horror genre after 1999’s battle with Satan in ‘End of Days’. This time Arnie takes on the mantle of a father who’s daughter, Maggie (Abigail Breslin) has contracted a virus in a post zombie apocalyptic world. A burning slow pace with very little in terms of action or explosions will leave many Schwarzenegger's fans empty of a reputation the Hollywood legend has crafted. However, if there was ever a film in his career that showcased the softer side of the body builder, this is it.

 

‘Maggie’ is a subtle nod to zombie films of yesterday and while it’s small cast lead the drama, the bigger picture is left outside the borders of the screen with radio plays and updates provided by the town's police officers. This makes the appearance of a zombie even more dramatic and despite a removal of the fear factor throughout, still portrays a sense of dread that makes the unfolding events ever more emotional.

 

This is not a zombie film as you know it, removing any need for over the top gore for an emotional rollercoaster through the turning of a young girl. This is not the first film to feature a zombie apocalypse hidden behind the screen, 2009’s ‘Carriers’ featured another Hollywood star in Chris Pine leading a family to a safer place without a single zombie in sight. Where ‘Maggie’ excels is its ability to grab you in from the very start and relate to a distraught family whom have very little left giving them cause to cherish those closest to them. As the film progresses through to its bleak portrayal of life in the afterlife, it manages to crack a smile at some of the lighter moments that don’t make this a comedy but evidences Hobson’s ability to capture something so raw from its cast, who dare I say it, deserve to fly the flag of horror at the Oscars next year.

 

A pallet of pastel shades adds to the bleak drama that feels so fresh for a genre that has churned out many action packed feasts of blood, brains and guts. ‘Maggie’ manages to keep its gore to a minimum yet not absent as some of the more squirmish moments have been saved from the cutting room floor but it is often the actions off camera that draw in the most emotion.

 

Despite its title, this is a journey of a father that Schwarzenegger manages to take ownership of. The journey of isolation and desperation sees him stop at nothing to save his daughter, even protecting her from the inevitable quarantine that will see her die a slow death, something the closing scenes play on very well, giving the impression that as a father, he will do what is best for his daughter, despite the pain it will bring.

 

Quite how this film almost never made it is a question that may never see an answer but thank the heavens it has, John Scott’s script delivers from the very start. It’s slow pace and lack of action may put many people off and yet it still delivers more heartache than any season of ‘The Walking Dead’ and gives an Oscar worthy performance from both Breslin and Schwarzenegger.