The harrowing emotional effects that a deadly world virus has not only had on relationships, but on humanity in general, isn’t usually the most compelling story element of a zombie film. But when actors can make viewers forget that the physical threat zombies pose to humans is often the most popular element in the popular horror sub-genre, and instead captivates them with how the illness has impacted people’s connections, the performers prove how enthralling those psychological elements can also be. That powerful examination is intriguingly presented in Shockya’s new exclusive behind-the-scenes clip for the independent horror thriller, ‘Maggie,’ which marks the feature film directorial debut of Henry Hobson.
The new clip, which emphasizes how the father-daughter relationship between Arnold Schwarzenegger and Abigail Breslin’s characters is the main focus of the film, instead of the zombies themselves, is supporting the drama’s Blu-ray and DVD release on July 7. ‘Maggie,’ which was written by John Scott, was released in select theaters and on VOD on May 8, after it had its World Premiere at the 2015 Tribeca Film Festival.
‘Maggie’ follows a necrotic viral pandemic that has spread across the country to small town America and infected the 16-year-old titular character (Breslin). Authorities have established a protocol for patients infected with the deadly virus: they are removed from society and taken to special isolation wards to complete the agonizing and dangerous transformation into one of the walking dead. The authorities do not speak about what happens after that.
Wade Vogel (Schwarzenegger) is not ready to give up his daughter. After weeks of searching for Maggie when she runs away after receiving her diagnosis, Wade brings his daughter back to her home and family, including her stepmother, Caroline (Joely Richardson), and her two younger siblings-for whatever time may be left as the teenager begins an excruciatingly painful metamorphosis. Having lost Maggie’s mother years earlier, Wade is determined to hold on to his precious daughter as long as he can, refusing to surrender her to the local police who show up with orders to take her. As the disease progresses, Caroline decides to take their two younger children and move out, leaving Wade alone with Maggie to watch helplessly as she suffers.
The clip begins with one of the producers of ‘Maggie,’ Joey Tufaro, mentioning how the film’s main focus is on the father-daughter relationship, and not on the zombies. As the producer is speaking, Wade is shown walking through a clinic, as he tries to find his sick daughter. Tufaro noted that mainly highlighting the father-daughter relationship was Hobson’s decision as the film’s director.
Tufaro’s fellow producer, Colin Bates, then states how the story unfolds over a chaotic short period of time. He notes how it’s difficult for Wade to not be able to feed and protect his family, while also watching his oldest child contend with the fatal virus. He ponders the question of how people should seek peace in the troubling situation. Schwarzenegger then also emphasizes how the film truly concentrates on the parent-child relationship in such dire circumstances.
Watch Shockya’s exclusive behind-the-scenes ‘Maggie’ clip below.
Written by: Karen Benardello