Film Review: 28 Years Later
2 min read
“Academy Award®-winning director Danny Boyle and Academy Award®-nominated writer Alex Garland reunite for 28 Years Later, a terrifying new story set in the world created by 28 Days Later. It’s been almost three decades since the rage virus escaped a biological weapons laboratory, and now, still in a ruthlessly enforced quarantine, some have found ways to exist amidst the infected. One such group of survivors lives on a small island connected to the mainland by a single, heavily-defended causeway. When one of the group leaves the island on a mission into the dark heart of the mainland, he discovers secrets, wonders, and horrors that have mutated not only the infected but other survivors as well.” – Sony Pictures
Snapshot Review: Danny Boyle’s long awaited sequel to zombie virus flick 28 days later (2002) is worth the wait. This almost entirely British production opens, according to the film’s title, with a community of survivors living on an island connected to and protected by a causeway from a mainland full of infected zombies. The village seems idyllic, growing veg, no screens, recycling, but we are soon introduced to the darker qualities and skills needed to defend the inhabitants. Toxic male Jamie (Aaron Taylor Johnson) is keen to blood his 12 year old son Spike, a brilliant performance by Alfie Williams, on the mainland. His first trip reveals different types of infected who, though dangerous, provide cruel target practice for the skilled archers. Spike is less keen on shooting than looking after his sick mum (Jodie Comer).
The rest of the film deals with their quest to locate a GP turned body collector in order to find a cure. Their adventures on the way include an encounter with a star from the previous film as well as a stranded Swedish Army recruit marooned as part of an enforced Brexit operation.
The film wears its Britishness on its sleeve with shots of decaying Victorian terraces, British Rail Locos as well as the innovative use of social archive footage. Furthermore, the rowdy pub scenes on the island are reminiscent of Hammer House horror classic, The Wicker Man. However, the finale’s, albeit hilarious, in joke may push the insularity a bit far.
The film engages from beginning to end with thrills, scares and humour. It also provides hope that basic respect for human life and death can endure despite the savagery on both sides of the infected non infected divide.
Release Date: 19/06/2025
Genre: Horror
Staring: Jodie Comer, Aaron Taylor Johnson, Ralph Fiennes, Edvin Ryding
