One can say that zombie movies can never be good movies, but over the past few years I think people should change their tune. Back in 2013 we got what was thought to be a disaster turned out to be an extremely, entertaining blockbuster. The film I am referring to is the Brad Pitt staring vehicle World War Z. An amazing, entertaining blockbuster from the director of Quantum of Solace. While it had its issues (PG-13 seemed forced) it was still a fun ride.
Now, a different type of zombie film has come around, and it is a masterwork. While the film with Brad Pitt was an energetic, action romp, the Arnold staring vehicle is a slow burn of the eventual infection of a loved one.
Its great to see Arnold (The Terminator) stretch his acting chops and do a film where he is really restrained in the action department. He stars as a father who must deal with the aftermath of his daughter's infection. His daughter is played by the amazingly talented Abigail from Little Miss. Sunshine. She has grown into an amazing actress and goes toe to toe with Arnold. Their chemistry is extremely strong and that is a huge plus with a film like this.
And here is the big surprise, the film is also rated PG-13. The difference here though is that its not forced. While in WWZ there were moments that needed the gore effect, here its all natural. They don't end up in a corner where they have to show gore, much like World War Z kept doing. When Maggie chops her finger off, we see blood, we see the finger all bent out of shape. In World War Z, we cut away from a woman's hand being chopped off. PG-13 ratings can be pushed, the only limit would be explicit language, intense gore (zombie chewing), etc. What also should be said is the zombies in Maggie are by far the most horrifying creations you will ever see. You will have nightmares after seeing some of the dead creatures seen here.
A scene I refer to is when Arnold has to kill his infected neighbour and his daughter. The effects and detail are so realistic and life like it is truly horrifying. The little girl was also a terrifying sight to see. It just proves that if you are told to make a PG-13 horror movie, it doesn't mean you have to lessen the mood. PG-13 has a good long limitation, you can push the rating pretty far. I was surprised to see the film was rated PG-13 as I firmly felt it was an R-rated picture, that is how good the director worked within the rating to create a film with such a dark and unsettling mood. However, he does provide the film with a very heartfelt ending that will most certainly earn both a tear and a cheer.
Maggie is a true horror masterpiece that retains what I feel is a must in horror movies of this type need, showing the humanity of its characters and what they go through during such harsh times. The film felt real, it pulled at your heart strings and made you really care for these characters. Arnold is by far the best part of the film as here he puts everything into it, he really got into the role. With him and Abigail and the unique portrayal of its zombie inhabitants Maggie feels more like a real zombie film than any that have come before.
Rating - A+
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