THE GIRL WITH ALL THE GIFTS

THREE STARS There's hope for humanity in a young girl who might repel the zombie hordes.

Starring Gemma Arterton and Glenn Close

ZOMBIE THRILLER #GIRLWITHALLTHEGIFTS

In a dystopian future, zombies aka hungries have got humanity in a bind. As is the frame for such stories (think 28 DAYS LATER or DAY OF THE TRIFFIDS), rump military outposts are at the mercy of walking dead. In once such facility, young children are literally tied to their school desks and experimented upon for they might hold the key to the future. The doctor in charge thinks one student, Melanie, seems brighter than the rest and her teacher agrees. Only the area sergeant disagrees, seeing her as just another monster. That’s until the hungries breach the wall and he’s forced to choose his friends.

Although the film would have benefited from another narrative thread or two (the story doesn’t fully support its adventurous run time), the always watchable Gemma Arterton and Paddy Considine make light work of it all. They’re ably supported by the equally charismatic Glenn Close although all three are virtually outdone by newcomer Sennia Nanua who shines in the lead role of Melanie. Fans of Black Mirror will know what to expect (director Colm McCarthy worked on that series as well as Sherlock, Doctor Who and Peaky Blinders) and won’t be disappointed. The result is solid, stylised and rewarding entertainment.