Were Brad Pitt of World War Z to meet Brad Pitt of A Tree of Life, you could have Maggie. Almost. For, while Terence Malik hangs heavy over this film, Hobson — who was a part of Malik’s A Tree of Life — jettisons the symbolism long enough to give us a warm, working family strained by a zombie scare.

Heading an excellent ensemble, Arnold Schwarzenegger brings unexpected complexity and compassion to his role of the distraught father.

A zombie film of unusual depth, Maggie gives American horror cinema the shot in the arm it so desperately needs. Miss it at your peril.

The film straddles a sort of middle ground between scary and family drama and it takes a look at the other side of a zombie film – the human side sans violence. Refreshingly, jump scares are diligently avoided too. Breslin’s performance is both intense as well as moving. But most surprisingly, Maggie sees a rather interesting change of pace for Arnold Schwarzenegger, who pulls off playing a caring, sensitive character pretty well indeed.

…is a well-directed zombie film that is pleasantly engaging. It will appeal to those who are not into gore and blood curdling horror.