Common Sense Media Review
By Jeffrey M. Anderson
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Surprisingly touching Schwarzenegger zombie flick.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Maggie
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?
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
- In theaters : May 8, 2015
- On DVD or streaming : July 7, 2015
- Cast : Arnold Schwarzenegger , Joely Richardson , Abigail Breslin
- Director : Henry Hobson
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Roadside Attractions
- Genre : Horror
- Topics : Fantasy
- Run time : 95 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : disturbing thematic material including bloody images, and some language
- Last updated : October 1, 2025
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
Suggest an Update
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