Before The Walking Dead revitalized television, many considered the zombie genre to be creatively bankrupt. While countless zombie films had been produced, few managed to capture the right tone and offer genuine innovation. This is why films like The Girl With All the Gifts are so important; they bring a breath of fresh air to a somewhat oversaturated landscape.
This British post-apocalyptic thriller is set in a world ravaged by a mysterious fungal disease. The narrative unfolds within the confines of a military base, one of the last bastions of humanity. Here, we encounter a chilling twist: a group of second-generation children, infected yet seemingly in control of their faculties, are studied. Their control, however, is fragile, dependent on suppressing their primal hunger for human flesh.
After a harrowing zombie (or “Hungry”) attack overwhelms their base, a small group – soldiers, a compassionate teacher named Helen Justineau (Gemma Arterton), and one remarkable second-generation child named Melanie – embark on a perilous journey to what they hope is the next safe zone. Melanie stands out as exceptionally intelligent and self-aware, forging a poignant connection with Helen. This bond becomes the emotional core of the film. While the soldiers, including a stoic sergeant played by Paddy Considine, are well-acted, the film deliberately steers us towards investing in Melanie and Helen’s relationship. A desire for deeper character exploration and backstory is understandable, as it can be challenging to fully connect with characters when their motivations and pasts remain somewhat opaque.
Despite this minor drawback, The Girl With All the Gifts is commendable for its innovative approach to the zombie trope. While a familiar subplot involving the search for a cure exists, the film distinguishes itself through its deliberate pacing, restrained use of gore, and, most notably, its central protagonist. Has a zombie film ever placed a second-generation infected child at its narrative center before? This alone marks The Girl With All the Gifts as a genuinely original and thought-provoking entry into the genre.
7.1/10
