If you follow me on Twitter, you’ll know by now how excited I’ve been about the film adaptation of the Girl with all the Gifts. Like, I was tweeting Michael Carey every day like a creepy weirdo.

I meant to post this review earlier, but my Halloween advent calendar kind of took over my life. So here it is.

The book is one of my favourites, it’s been added to my list of stories I can read over and over along with John Ajvide Lindqvist’s ‘Let the Right One In’ and Max Brooks’s ‘World War Z.’

I went into the cinema reminding myself that it would be a little different to the plot of the book as the novel and script were written at the same time but with differing storylines for each form of media and both were approved. There were quite a few stark differences but they didn’t impact on the story or the action in any way.

I was excited to see the zombie apocalypse taking place in my home country, there haven’t been any zombie movies in the UK since the 28 days and 28 weeks later films.

Plot:

A mutated fungal disease has infected humans, turning them into ravenous zombies. In a secure army base in Birmingham children are being tested on to create a cure, but they aren’t normal kids and Melanie is one of them. When the base is attacked Melanie and a group of survivors flee towards the capital to continue their fight for survival without realising a bigger threat is about to arise.

I don’t want to give too much away, especially if you haven’t read the book, however I recommend you do read it before watching the film. There are certain aspects that I feel are better understood if you know who the characters are and what’s going to happen next.

The film is tense, action packed and doesn’t hesitate to challenge us with hard hitting themes. Melanie is so grown up and mature considering the situation, she is a fierce protagonist, someone you truly grow to love over the hour and a half. Sennia Nanua is new to Hollywood but she is going to do great things.

Having supporting actresses such as Glenn Close and Gemma Arterton helps, both offer excellent portrayals of Miss Justineau and Dr Caldwell.

I’m sorry this review is late, but if this tickles your interest then definitely go and pick the book up – here’s a link – or watch the movie when it is released on DVD (I can’t find a release date but there is a pre-order available on Amazon).

Have you seen the Girl with all the Gifts? What did you think?

Jade