Maggie is a novel idea. In certain places its shot beautifully as well. But the film is too indulgent and deliberate. That it’s a departure from the regular Arnie movies is a good thing. But fact is, this film has the ability to zombify its viewers in a slow trance.

But the theme of unconditional love is, vitiated, in your reviewer’s humble opinion, by the promotion of suicide and mercy killing (suggested by a doctor no less). It boggles the mind that doctors who take the Hippocratic oath to heal and save life should actually support its termination in violation of the ancient (2,500 year-old) oath which states, categorically in one section: “And I will not give a drug that is deadly to anyone if asked, nor will I suggest the way to such a counsel.” The film also indicates that Heaven awaits the good who commit suicide, again, a theologically flawed position for suicide is not the same thing as martyrdom.

Even though Maggie has been wrongly categorized as thriller or horror, it has pulled off drama better than any other film. The void that is formed due to the lack of action is efficiently filled by the emotional music and the few but powerfully delivered dialogues. Apart from a few flaws, the film is a unique display of life, love and loss set in the backdrop of a ‘necroambulishm’ (We’re too scared to use the Z word) infected town. Grab a bucket of popcorn and take those tissues not to hide your face in, but to wipe your tears.

The idea of an emotional drama that looks at the conflict of turning into a zombie is distinctive. However, barring one or two textbook shocks and a few disturbing scenes, Hobson’s narrative moves at such a lethargic pace that it’s unlikely that this zombie terminator will be back.