The Girl with All the Gifts

The Girl with All the Gifts is a 2016 British post-apocalyptic science fiction horror film. It revolves around a dystopian future where humanity has been almost entirely wiped out by a fungal infection. The infected, known as “hungries”, have been turned into zombie-like creatures with an insatiable hunger for human flesh. However, among the infected are a group of second-generation offspring referred to as “hybrids”, who can control their hunger to an extent, retaining their ability to think and learn. At the heart of this group is Melanie, played remarkably by Sennia Nanua.

Sennia Nanua carries the movie with her performance as Melanie, a polite and highly intelligent girl who shows strength and resilience in the face of grave adversities. She has the distinction of being both infected and in control, making her an 'ideal' research candidate and a lynchpin in the title's alluring storyline.

As Melanie grapples with understanding her own nature, we see a mesmerizing interplay between her naive innocence and chilling reality. She loves her teacher, Helen Justineau (played wonderfully by Gemma Arterton), and yearns for her affection in return. This plays off against the clinical detachment of Dr. Caroline Caldwell (a compelling portrayal by versatile actress Glenn Close), a scientist hell-bent on finding a cure for the infection at any cost.

Fisayo Akinade and Dominique Tipper deliver fine performances too, rounding out a strong principal cast. Akinade plays Kieran Gallagher, a compassionate soldier who sympathizes with the children’s plight. Tipper, known for her role in 'The Expanse', plays Sgt. Devani, a hard-bitten soldier just trying to survive in this dystopian world.

Directed by Colm McCarthy, the film is an adaptation of a book by M.R Carey. McCarthy does an excellent job in balancing the horror of a zombie apocalypse with a thoughtful examination of what it means to be human, and the question of survival vs. morality. The cinematographers too need to be lauded for capturing the haunting desolation of an apocalypse-ridden Britain.

The Girl with All the Gifts has its moments of horror and suspense as expected from a movie in this genre, but it is the layers of complexity beneath the surface, the striking social commentary, and the moral questions that keep you engrossed. It plays out as more than just a story of survival. It presents a poignant narrative on human behavior, exploring different perspectives on humanity and ethics in the face of a global catastrophe.

The narrative oscillates between the high-security bunker where the hybrids are studied and the spacious but threatening outside world. As the plot progresses, it becomes difficult to classify the protagonists and the antagonists simplistically, thereby spotlighting the blurred lines between right and wrong, moral and immoral, humane and inhumane. In effect, the movie compellingly pushes the boundaries of traditional zombie movie framework, combining the visceral thrills of the genre with rare emotional depth and philosophical exploration.

Furthermore, the movie stands out for showing a young black girl as the leading character, a rarity in science fiction/horror genre. Hence, it breaks stereotypes and offers refreshing diversity not often seen in these types of films.

At its core, The Girl with All the Gifts challenges you to reflect on the very essence of what makes us human. The film often switches between the gripping suspense of a survival thriller and emphasizes a dialog about ethics and human nature. This oscillation keeps viewers spellbound throughout, making this film an engaging watch for fans of the genre and beyond.

To summarise, The Girl with All the Gifts is a horror film that transcends its genre. It’s a film that challenges the viewers' perception of 'the other' while making them reflect on their own humanity. With its strong performances, astute direction, and a brave interrogation of what it means to be human, The Girl with All the Gifts stays with you long after the credits roll. It's a unique addition to the zombie movie canon, blending traditional survival horror with an introspective and highly original narrative.