Parents' Guide to

Maggie

By Jeffrey Anderson, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 14+

Surprisingly touching Schwarzenegger zombie flick.

Movie PG-13 2015 95 minutes
Maggie Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this movie.

Community Reviews

See all
age 18+

Based on 1 parent review

ruthannbeloved
ruthannbeloved Adult
November 26, 2015
age 18+

Common Sense review is slightly misleading...

While this film is interesting, and really well filmed, my review is mostly to address the use of profanity in the film that common sense media seemed to overlook. The film was said to have only minor language (crap, a$$), but it actually had a bit more (g-d, s word, and several other derogatory terms). I usually come to common sense media to find out the specifics on a film, but this time I was a bit shocked to see that the reviewer had completely overlooked this. Movie is a little violent/scary but also filmed so most of the actually violence isn't shown. Very emotional and interesting pov for a film that is still about...zombies.
See all 1 parent review

What's the Story?

In MAGGIE, there's a zombie outbreak, and martial law has been enabled. Devoted dad Wade (Arnold Schwarzenegger) spends two weeks looking for his runaway daughter, Maggie (Abigail Breslin); he finds her in a hospital, bitten and infected with the zombie virus. Though Wade is obligated to take her to "quarantine," said to be a horrific place, instead he takes her home. As she grows sicker, and lethal symptoms start manifesting themselves, she begins the process of saying goodbye to her friends and loved ones. Wade, on the other hand, begins to contemplate the inevitable: When Maggie eventually becomes a deadly, flesh-eating zombie, he'll be responsible for dispatching her.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (1 ):
Kids say (7 ):

Henry Hobson, a title designer and a director of the Oscar telecast, makes his feature directorial debut with this highly unusual, unexpectedly moving zombie film. He blankets the movie in ominous gray, creating a deadly quiet from which life attempts to spring forth, like the patch of daisies that Wade shows to Maggie. Hobson gives his characters the opportunity to truly contemplate life and death, with time to think and time to be afraid, as well as time to enjoy whatever's left.

Schwarzenegger was once cast opposite Danny DeVito for comic effect, but here, opposite the former Little Miss Sunshine, he forms a truly touching chemistry with his co-star; the result is the subtlest performance the Terminator actor has ever given. Some of the movie's conceits, like the mysterious "quarantine" center, threaten the film's delicate fabric, but ultimately, Maggie is a surprising zombie movie in which life and death actually mean something.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about Maggie's violence. How much is shown and not shown? Is it designed to make you scream or to disturb you? What's the difference?

  • What's the appeal of zombie movies? Are they scary? What do they have to say about our society?

  • How would you describe the movie's father-daughter relationship? Does it feel realistic?

Movie Details

Did we miss something on diversity?

Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.

See all recommended movie lists

Related Topics

Want suggestions based on your streaming services? Get personalized recommendations

Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.

See how we rate