Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Underrated Zombie Film, ‘Maggie,’ is Streaming on HBO Max
“The Last of Us” has captivated audiences with its compelling post-apocalyptic narrative, earning critical acclaim and a dedicated fanbase. If you’re a fan of this genre and eagerly awaiting the third season, Arnold Schwarzenegger’s 2015 film, “Maggie,” offers a similar, albeit more intimate, experience. Fortunately, like “The Last of Us,” it’s currently available to stream on HBO Max.
Schwarzenegger’s career experienced a shift in the late 1990s, with challenges in maintaining his A-list status. While “The 6th Day” (2000) aimed to revitalize his image, it received a mixed reception. He later transitioned into politics, serving as Governor of California before returning to acting and taking on more diverse roles.
“Maggie” stands out as one of those roles. The film presents a unique premise: a small-town farmer, Wade Vogel (Schwarzenegger), grapples with his daughter Maggie’s (Abigail Breslin) infection with a virus that transforms victims into zombies. This storyline shares thematic similarities with “The Last of Us,” and notably, the director of “Maggie,” Henry Hobson, also contributed to the original “The Last of Us” video game.
‘Maggie’ is an Intimate Drama Disguised as a Zombie Movie
While some of Schwarzenegger’s films released in the 2000s and 2010s were less successful, “Maggie” is considered a notable exception. The film marks Henry Hobson’s directorial debut, building on his experience designing title sequences for projects like Guy Ritchie’s “Sherlock Holmes” and the original “The Last of Us” video game.
“Maggie” distinguishes itself by focusing on the emotional core of the story. Set during a zombie epidemic, the film centers on Wade’s desperate attempts to protect Maggie as her condition deteriorates. Unlike many zombie films, the narrative prioritizes character development and emotional impact over action, and spectacle.
During an interview with Fangoria, Hobson discussed casting Schwarzenegger against type, noting the intrigue of portraying the action star as a father struggling to protect his family.
‘Maggie’ Divided Critics but Remains Worth Watching for Schwarzenegger’s Performance
“Maggie” premiered at the 2015 Tribeca Film Festival and received a limited release in May of that year. Critical reception was mixed. The film currently holds a 61% critic score on Rotten Tomatoes. Jonathan Romney of The Guardian praised Schwarzenegger’s “delicacy” in the role, while Joe McGovern of Entertainment Weekly highlighted the power of Schwarzenegger’s star presence.
However, some reviewers criticized the film’s slow pace and somber tone. A review on /Film suggested that Schwarzenegger’s dramatic talent was underutilized, and others found the film overly melancholic. Despite these criticisms, “Maggie” offers a compelling performance from Schwarzenegger and a unique take on the zombie genre.
For viewers seeking a dramatic and emotionally resonant post-apocalyptic story akin to “The Last of Us,” “Maggie” is a worthwhile watch. The film is currently streaming on HBO Max.