Was ’28 Years Later’ worth the wait? Beauty in the frightening madness of zombie movie

It’s been 23 years since Danny Boyle and Alex Garland collaborated on 28 Days Later, and with such a large gap in films, a big question for 28 Years Later has been whether it can reinvigorate the excitement of the first. Starring Jodie Comer, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Ralph Fiennes, Jack O’Connell and Alfie Williams, the new movie feels electric.

It’s becoming increasingly more difficult to really feel surprised by a movie, with so many clinging to familiar and beloved plot points and storytelling elements. But 28 Years Later is able to fully shock and surprise.

28 Years Later release date: June 20
Director: Danny Boyle
Writer: Alex Garland
Cast: Jodie Comer, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Alfie Williams, Ralph Fiennes, Jack O’Connell
Runtime: 115 minutes

What is ’28 Years Later’ about

It’s been, as the title states, almost three decades since the rage virus escaped a biological weapons laboratory and decimated the U.K., prompting a strict quarantine.

A small group of survivors live on an island, connected to the mainland by a causeway, which can only be crossed during a low tide.

The film is focused on 12-year-old Spike (Alfie Williams), who we meet on his first day of an excursion to the mainland with his father Jamie (Aaron Taylor-Johnson). It’s a rite of passage for Spike to take the intimidating journey for his “first kill,” as he says goodbye to his sick mother Isla (Jodie Comer), who suffers from a condition that’s impacted her both physically and cognitively.

While on the hunt Spike finds out about Dr. Kelson (Ralph Fiennes) and hopes that he could help his ailing mother. Jamie is adamant that won’t be the case, but Spike doesn’t listen and travels back with his mother to reach Dr. Kelson on the mainland.

Frenzied, terrifying and ultimately satisfying

Garland and Boyle certainly aren’t giving us the expected with 28 Years Later. The film is firmly planted in the horror genre, while including rich commentary on modern society, without sacrificing any off the gruesome elements.

The first portion of the movie is largely focused on intense chase scenes and terrifying zombie surprises with the introduction of the Alphas. The naked creatures are some of the most terrifying zombies we’ve gotten in a long time, while the film also suggests that the zombies may not be as mindless as many believe.

Boyle’s direction takes a brisk pace through the film. It feels sharp and impactful with a really satisfying execution of something thrillingly chaotic. Using elements like stock footage of British soldiers and clips of other films, it adds to the startling nature of the movie.

Notably, the movie was filmed on iPhones, an evolution from the digital cameras used in the first film, as Boyle provides terrifying frenzied shots, in addition to breathtaking images of the landscape.

As we get deeper into the story, there’s more time spent on the film’s examination od humanity, including our relationship with death and questions about the ecosystem, while adding a sprinkling of dark comedy. But that’s what Garland does well, he adds a compelling richness to films while making room for visual impact, and creating a foundation to elevate both elements.

While some may think 28 Years Later is too wacky for them, while the story could have more cohesion overall, there’s no denying the spectacle of the film as we lean into the feeling of dread throughout the story.

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