2003’s 28 Days Later is an undeniable cult classic and one of the best horror films of the 2000s, showcasing director Danny Boyle’s experimental style and had the kind of indie energy that made it so memorable with audiences. Following its success, the film received a sequel in 2007’s 28 Weeks Later, updating audiences on the aftermath of the release of the rage virus, after it has infected much of the world, now 28 weeks later. Though not nearly as successful as the original, the snapshot premise of both films delivered an original take on the zombie movie, framing each story through the lens of a particular character (or characters) over their fight for survival. But since 2007, there has been nothing in terms of updates in terms of the world of 28 Days Later, as Boyle and screenwriter Alex Garland have moved on to other projects (the two served as executive producers of 28 Weeks Later), leaving the franchise on the shelf. Now and under a new studio, the franchise returns with the next logical title, 28 Years Later. The premise is the same, except more time has passed. As Boyle and Garland return as director and screenwriter, the result is a film that matches, or arguably surpasses, the original. Time has done wonders both narratively and technologically, making for a beautiful-looking film with a compelling grounding story that justifies the franchise’s return and sets a path moving forward.
28 Years Later takes place twenty-eight years after the initial unleashing of the rage virus where much of the metropolitan cities have been quarantined from the outside world to protect their residents from the infected, leaving other survivors to fend for themselves. One small island community, connected to the mainland by a single causeway, adapted by making the most out of their circumstances. However, in order for that community to survive, it would mean trip to the mainland where the infected roamed. Always training to be ready should they need to defend themselves, bows and arrows were the weapon of choice. Spike (Williams), a 12-year-old boy, mature beyond his years, was nearing the age to wield his own bow to defend his community and explore for resources in the mainland. Helping him along with his father Jamie (Taylor-Johnson), providing him help and support in facing his fears and learning to take care of himself and his sick mother Isla (Comer). Faced with an unknown illness, it was unclear what was affecting Isla, it’d be hard to know when doctors were a scarcity, but the resulting tension only added more strain on the family. Heavily sheltered for most of his life, the concept of life outside the island was foreign to him therefore seeing how the world has evolved over the last 28 years, experiencing it all through Spike’s eyes, added an interesting dimension to the story.
Going out into the mainland for the first time proved to be a harrowing experience for Spike, but he had his dad by his side to offer encouragement as he tried to help his son get his first kill. It won’t take long to notice that the infected this time around are different than the ones most audiences have been accustomed to. As with anytime, time allowed them the chance to grow and evolve in order for them to adapt and survive. That being said, killing was still a difficult thing for Spike. Very much afraid, he and Jamie’s first trip out was quite the ordeal as a few inopportune scrapes with the infected had them just escaping by the skin of their teeth. Whether he should have to or not, Skip had to grow up really fast. Concerned about the wellbeing of his mother, perhaps more so than his father, upon learning the truth about her condition, he and Isla set out back to the mainland in search of the reclusive Dr. Kelson (Fiennes). Suffering from bouts of weakness and confusion, Spike’s mother was a challenge to maneuver at times, but he vowed to never leave her behind. Surviving several close encounters with the infected, their journey was certainly not lacking in tension as the strength of his love for his mother made for a convincing motivator for Spike and one that will have audiences root for their survival. However, this latest journey would be far from the most harrowing for him as after finding Kelson, the news had not been what he was hoping to hear. In what was absolutely heartbreaking to watch, the news only further hardened Spike, compelling him to keep moving forward in his journey into the mainland, setting up a presumed new trilogy of films (28 Years Later: The Bone Temple is set to release January 16th, 2026 and a third film has not yet been confirmed).
Combining strong writing from Garland and the vision of Boyle behind the camera, 28 Years Later is a visual marvel and a compelling family drama that just happens to also be a zombie film. Putting audiences on the edge of their seats while also striking their emotions, crafting tension and emotion, the film is a roller coaster of the highest degree. Finding the right of the balance without distracting from what got it here, framing this film through the lens of an adjacent family drama (28 Weeks Later was not adjacent) is a breath of fresh air for the franchise and helps to carve a new path moving forward. In the end, what truly ties it all together is its excellent performances. Though the family dynamic is a highlight, Isla and Jamie deserved more in the way of character development to make that dynamic even stronger. Nevertheless, Comer, Taylor-Johnson, and Williams all bring it here but it is the superstar performance from Williams, as Spike, that pushes it over the top. The indisputable heart and soul of the film, he shows poise and maturity beyond his years as he is more than up to the task, carrying it on his back and also having great chemistry with Comer and Taylor-Johnson, as Isla and Jamie. Meanwhile, Fiennes shines in limited screen time as Kelson, the consummate scientist there to offer some last minute guidance and wisdom.
At the end of the day, 28 Years Later is a return to form for the franchise, evolving with the times and delivering a powerful family story led by excellent performances.
*still courtesy of Sony Pictures*
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The EIC of the coincidentally-named keithlovesmovies.com. A Canadian who prefers to get out of the cold and into the warmth of a movie theatre.
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