Zombies have become incredibly played out in recent years, and most material around them has just become dull. We have so many video games based on them, and The Walking Dead, not to mention several films as well. So it’s rare when something truly unique can find its way through that. But enter The Girl With All The Gifts.

Based on a M.R. Carey book the film follows a small group of scientists and soldiers as they escape a compound with a young girl (Sennia Nanua). The nature of the girl is slowly revealed throughout the film, and the audience isn’t spoon fed answers early on. The Girl With All The Gifts is a film that trusts its audience, and as a result becomes a far more interesting and thoughtful film.

This adaptation is directed by Colm McCarthy, who directed the second season of Peaky Blinders along with some other great tv, and it’s always fantastic to see a director that has delivered on tv being given the chance on film. He instills incredible tension into necessary scenes, and also creates some beautiful, heartfelt moments. This is a fantastic first film from him as a director, and it leaves me excited to see what he’ll do in the future.

Sennia Nanua is fantastic in what is her first feature film appearance as Melanie. Some real top class acting talent in Gemma Arteton, Paddy Considine, and Glenn Close joins her. Even those who play the harder, less approachable, characters are able to peel back the layers and give fantastic performances as the film goes on.

The Girl With All The Gifts is a real treat. It’s a film that goes in interesting directions, and has some moral discussions in there, whilst still managing to deliver the tension required. This is probably the best zombie film for at least 12 years, and one that I’d encourage any genre fans to seek out.

9/10