The acclaimed film Train to Busan has captured the attention of zombie movie enthusiasts, boasting an impressive 86% score on Rotten Tomatoes. Unlike traditional zombie films that often center around survival amidst hordes of the undead and the malevolence of remaining humans, this 2016 creation directed by Yeon Sang-ho introduces a fresh perspective. Set on a train during the onset of a zombie apocalypse, it chronicles the harrowing journey of a father and his daughter as they confront both external threats and their own emotional struggles.
Achieving remarkable acclaim with a 95% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, critics have lauded Train to Busan for its distinctive and engaging approach to the zombie genre. In an era where audiences are becoming fatigued by oversaturation, particularly due to the overwhelming popularity of The Walking Dead, this film stands out as innovative and thought-provoking. Fortunately, there are other works that follow this trend of reimagining zombie narratives in compelling ways. One such film is The Girl with All the Gifts, released in 2016, which aligns with this mission perfectly.
Why Fans of Train to Busan Will Enjoy The Girl with All the Gifts
Both Movies Share a Common Theme of Humanity
What sets Train to Busan apart from its counterparts is its emphasis on the emotional bond between its characters amidst chaos. The film poignantly narrates the fractured relationship between a father and his daughter, ultimately showcasing how their connection deepens as they navigate through adversity together. This focus on familial love amidst horror transforms it into a story brimming with heart, transcending the genre.
The Girl with All the Gifts resonates similarly. Set in a military facility where zombie children are contained and experimented on, humanity strives to uncover a cure for the disease ravaging the planet. Amongst these children is Melanie, who possesses a unique ability to restrain her violent urges—unless she catches a whiff of blood. The film adapts Mike Carey’s novel, narrated from Melanie’s perspective, delivering a fresh narrative twist as she begins her journey unaware of her true nature as a ‘zombie.’
This film, while less grand in action, reflects a similar thematic exploration of humanity. Like Train to Busan, it illustrates the struggle of individuals fighting to retain their humanity, even as the world around them plummets into chaos.
Distinct Elements of The Girl with All the Gifts Compared to Train to Busan
A More Thought-Provoking Narrative
While The Girl with All the Gifts includes thrilling action sequences featuring zombie attacks and military confrontations, its primary focus diverges significantly from the relentless pacing of Train to Busan. Rather than an adrenaline-fueled fight for survival, it crafts a reflective journey of Melanie as she grapples with her identity and the implications of her existence. Interactions with human characters, such as Helen Justineau (portrayed by Gemma Arterton), add layers to the narrative as the film questions what it truly means to be human amid their struggle for survival.
The film concludes with an unexpected twist that alters perceptions of dominance in this post-apocalyptic world. Unlike Train to Busan, which culminates in a struggle for human preservation against the undead, The Girl with All the Gifts challenges the viewer’s understanding of what constitutes victims and heroes in a transformed society.