Maggie Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Arnold Schwarzenegger finds out his daughter is turning into a zombie, so he spends 90 minutes moping around about it.

🍿 Maggie: Detailed Plot Synopsis

The Outbreak and Maggie’s Infection

In a near-future America, a deadly virus is turning people into cannibalistic zombies. Wade Vogel, a protective father, searches for his teenage daughter, Maggie, who has gone missing. He finds her in a quarantine wing of a hospital, where she is being treated for a bite wound, indicating that she is infected. Despite the grim diagnosis, Wade manages to persuade Dr. Vern Kaplan to release Maggie into his care. The agreement is that Wade will care for Maggie at home until her condition deteriorates to the point where she must be quarantined, giving them precious time together before the inevitable transformation.

Returning Home and the Family’s Struggle

Wade brings Maggie home to their family farm, where her stepmother, Caroline, and younger siblings, Bobby and Molly, await. Caroline, understandably fearful for the safety of her children, asks Wade to take them to her sister’s house. With the children gone, the farmhouse becomes a place of sorrow and quiet dread as Wade and Maggie confront the reality of her impending transformation. Wade does his best to create some semblance of normalcy, but Maggie’s condition gradually worsens. The physical signs of the infection become more apparent, and her cravings begin to change, signaling the irreversible path she is on.

Facing the Inevitable

As Maggie’s transformation progresses, Wade seeks advice from Dr. Kaplan, who presents him with difficult choices: take her to quarantine immediately, administer a painful cocktail to ease her passing, or “make it quick.” Wade struggles with these options, determined to protect his daughter and give her as much peace as possible during her final days. Maggie also tries to make the most of her remaining time. She spends time with her friends, sharing moments of connection and understanding. A brief romance with another infected teen, Trent, highlights the shared experience of facing an impending and terrifying fate.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Wade Vogel (Arnold Schwarzenegger): A loving father determined to protect his daughter as she slowly transforms into a zombie.
• Maggie Vogel (Abigail Breslin): A teenage girl infected with a virus that slowly turns her into a zombie, struggling with her impending fate.
• Caroline Vogel (Joely Richardson): Maggie’s stepmother who tries to cope with the situation while protecting her younger children.
• Dr. Vern Kaplan (Jodie Moore): A doctor and friend of Wade’s who advises him on Maggie’s condition and the difficult choices he faces.
• Allie (Raeden Greer): Maggie’s friend, who tries to remain supportive and understanding despite Maggie’s infection.
• Trent (Bryce Romero): An infected boy and Maggie’s friend who bonds with her over their shared fate.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Maggie Vogel: “Dad, you’ve protected me all my life. Now it’s my turn to protect you.” – Maggie says this to her father, expressing her desire to protect him from what she’s becoming and the difficult decision he’ll have to make.
• Maggie Vogel: “There is life with you, not with me. Don’t come looking for me. I’m safe. I’m fine.” – Maggie leaves a message implying she will go away to protect her father, acknowledging the fading of her humanity.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $1.4M
• Domestic Gross: $187,112
• Worldwide Gross: $1,663,165

💥 Maggie Reviews

Personal Review

I went into Maggie expecting some zombie action with Schwarzenegger, but boy, was I wrong! This movie hit me right in the feels. Watching Wade struggle with his daughter’s fate was heartbreaking, and Abigail Breslin was phenomenal. The scene where Maggie says goodbye to her little brother and sister gutted me. It’s not your typical zombie flick; it’s a story about love, loss, and saying goodbye. Definitely worth a watch if you’re looking for something different.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of character-driven dramas”
  • “Viewers interested in unconventional zombie stories”
  • “Those who appreciate slower-paced, atmospheric films”
  • “Arnold Schwarzenegger fans seeking a different role”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Themes of death and terminal illness”
  • “Zombie violence (minimal)”
  • “Brief scenes of gore”
  • “Teen suicide”

Professional Reviews

• IndieWire: “Maggie is less a horror film and more a somber character study, with Schwarzenegger delivering a surprisingly nuanced performance. The film trades jump scares for a lingering sense of dread, making it a unique entry in the crowded zombie genre. While the pace might be too slow for some, those seeking something different will appreciate its emotional depth.
• The Hollywood Reporter: “A departure for both Schwarzenegger and the zombie genre, Maggie focuses on the intimate relationship between a father and daughter facing impossible circumstances. While the film is slow-paced and lacks traditional horror elements, it offers a poignant exploration of grief and acceptance. Abigail Breslin shines as Maggie, conveying the character’s inner turmoil with grace.
• Variety: “Maggie aims for emotional resonance but often falls short due to its deliberate pace and lack of narrative momentum. Schwarzenegger’s restrained performance is a highlight, but the film struggles to balance its dramatic ambitions with its genre roots. Ultimately, Maggie is a noble experiment that doesn’t quite come together.

Audience Reactions

Viewers praised the film for its unique take on the zombie genre, focusing on character development and emotional impact rather than gore.: Many viewers agree the acting was superb, especially the pairing of Arnold and Abigail.

Fans appreciated the movie for its somber tone and its exploration of difficult moral choices, even those who find it slow-paced or depressing: A lot of people like the slow pacing and moody atmosphere which adds to emotional impact.

Overall Consensus: Maggie offers a fresh perspective on the zombie genre, prioritizing character-driven drama over traditional horror elements. While its slow pace may not appeal to all viewers, it has garnered praise for its emotional depth and strong performances.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Arnold Schwarzenegger took the role of Wade without receiving a salary because he loved the script.”
• “This was Henry Hobson’s directorial debut for a feature film.”

🖥️ How to Watch Maggie?

Maggie is available for streaming on various platforms. You can find it for rent or purchase on platforms like Apple TV, Google Play Movies, YouTube, and Vudu. Check your local listings for availability on cable and satellite providers. As of [DATE], it’s not included with major subscription services like Netflix or Prime Video, so you’ll likely need to pay a rental or purchase fee to watch it.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Maggie, you might like these similar films:

• The Road (2009): A father’s desperate journey to protect his child in a post-apocalyptic world.
• 28 Days Later (2002): Explores the harrowing consequences of a virus outbreak in a stylish and visceral manner.
• Train to Busan (2016): A father’s struggle to protect his daughter during a zombie outbreak on a speeding train.

🛒 Maggie Related Products

• The Walking Dead: The Complete Collection (Seasons 1-11) [Blu-ray]: Relive the complete saga of The Walking Dead, packed with intense zombie action and character-driven drama. This collection is perfect for fans of the zombie genre.
• The Last Stand (Blu-ray): Arnold Schwarzenegger returns to action in this high-octane thriller. A sheriff (Schwarzenegger) must stop a notorious drug lord from escaping to Mexico.
• Abigail Breslin Signed Zombieland 8×10 Photo: Own a piece of movie history with this autographed photo of Abigail Breslin from Zombieland. A must-have for fans of the actress and the zombie genre.
• Telltale’s The Walking Dead: The Telltale Definitive Series – Playstation 4: Experience Clementine’s emotional journey from orphaned girl to capable survivor in this critically acclaimed adventure game series. Make tough choices and shape your story in a world overrun by the undead.

🎧 Soundtrack

Maggie features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Maggie” – performed by Oscar Brown Jr.
• “Main Titles” – performed by David Wingo
• “Fox” – performed by David Wingo

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

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Curious what a popular movie critic thought of ‘Frank’? Chris Stuckmann breaks down the film in under 4 minutes, and he makes some great points about its unique charm—worth checking out before you form your own opinion!

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