When we heard about a new film coming called The Girl With All The Gifts we were intrigued about it. Finding it was based on a book of the same name by M.R. Carey, we quickly added it to our reading list.
If the film is half as good as the book it could be a real must see! It is provisionally set for a September 2016 release.
The book which is set in the future has the majority of humanity infected by a fungus. The infected are referred to as ‘Hungries’ turning them into a zombie-like state in that they now look to feed on human flesh.
There are very few survivors, that live in heavily guarded areas. One of these areas, known as Hotel Echo, will be the source for the characters we will follow.
Within this camp are a different kind of breed of ‘Hungries’, in that they have kept their mental powers, but like the other types, lose control when getting too close to the scent of humans.
These ‘Hungries’ are also children and as such, the humans provide them with an education, whilst also being tested for potential vaccines/cures for humanity by the head scientist Caroline Caldwell (Glenn Close will play her in the film)
The other major characters we follow are Sgt. Eddie Parks, who is in charge of these ‘Hungries’ keeping them under guard and transporting them to class (Paddy Considine will play him in the film) with Private Kieran Gallagher (Played by Fisayo Akinade)
In addition to Caldwell and Parks, the two major characters we follow are Melanie, a 10 year old hungry with a genius IQ (played in the film by newcomer Sennia Nanua) who has a very strong relationship with one of her teachers, Helen Justineau (to be played by Gemma Arterton)
As part of her progression to find a cure, Caldwell intends to dissect Melanie. Justineau finds out and tries to distract her, but whilst in the progress of this, they, and the camp are attacked by ‘Hungries’.
The 4 characters have to make a break for it, and after much discussion, agree to take Melanie with them, providing she is muzzled.
We then follow the 5 on their journey, and we see what has happened to the planet, as they decide to reach the Beacon, another guarded area, which is some considerable way away. Will they all survive or die? You need to read the book to find out, or see the forthcoming film!
Some great set pieces which were real page turners involving coming face to face with the ‘Hungries’. A large part of the film will involve a huge mobile base known as Rosalind, which should be great on screen, author Carey is writing the screenplay so we have high hopes for this British film.
Whilst this may sound like another I am Legend clone, its strong relationship between Melanie and Helen and the increasingly desperate Caldwell, this should be a much more exciting film.
Some of the ‘Hungries’ attacks could make this a bit stronger than aPG-13 horror so will be interesting to see if it is toned down for the film!
Glenn Close who has done crazy and obsessed in films such as Fatal Attraction and 101 Dalmatians appears to be inspired casting. Considine is always great to watch so will make a great Parks, but it is the casting of Gemma that has caused most of the readers, as in the book, Helen is established as Black.
Gemma is no stranger to box-office hits with roles in films such as Hansel & Gretel: Witch Hunters; Clash of the Titans and Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time but we have always found her better in the smaller films, St Trinian’s; Tamara Drewe; the Voices and in particular, The Disappearance of Alice Creed and we are sure that she will do a great job in the teacher to Melanie role.
The film will be directed by Colm McCarthy, best known for his TV work on shows such as Peaky Blinders; Sherlock and Doctor Who, so we are sure he will do a great job and we can’t wait to see it!
Updated: Film review here
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