Movie Review: The Girl With All The Gifts (NC16)

Zombies have got a new name.

They are called Hungries in this low-budget Brit thriller that seeks to reinvent the walking dead genre by injecting it with intelligence.

Set in a post-apocalyptic future where humans have become flesh-eating creatures due to disease, a group of survivors are on the verge of developing a vaccine that may stop the plague.

The catch? Dr Caldwell (Glenn Close) must dissect and examine precocious little Melanie (Sennia Nanua), a Hungry who seems to have the ability to control her Hannibal Lector-esque urges.

Standing in Dr Caldwell's way is Melanie's teacher Helen (Gemma Arterton), who sees Melanie as just a child and not a monster.

There's some suspense and cleverness, but some parts feel rehashed.

This thriller works because of its strong cast, particularly newcomer Nanua.

Verdict: 4/5