Although I’ve never considered myself a fan of “zombie” movies, I found my opinion changed by the film “28 Years Later.” The film is set in the same world as its prequel, “28 Days Later,” in which an infection that essentially turns people into zombies has taken over Great Britain. The story picks up in a world where the infection has evolved and society continues to grapple with the consequences.
Before watching this, I decided it was necessary to watch the original “28 Days Later” movie, but heard that “28 Weeks Later” (the second in the series) wasn’t worth the watch. Though “28 Years Later” continues on in the same world as the original and sequel, it doesn’t include the storyline or any of the characters from the first two movies.
As can be guessed from the name, “28 Years Later” is set 28 years after the initial outbreak. I appreciate the commitment to the number 28. We come to see how both the alive and infected have evolved to live in the world after 28 years. In the original film, the infected were all the same — blood-thirsty and aggressive toward any living creature. In “28 Years Later,” however, the infected have evolved into multiple types, which we learn more about as the film goes on.
The movie follows a young boy named Spike (Alfie Williams), whose family lives in a village on “Holy Island” separated from mainland England. Spike’s mother, Isla (Jodie Comer), is sick with an unknown disease. Spike’s father, Jamie, (Aaron Taylor-Johnson), decides that Spike has come of age and takes Spike out to the mainland where the infected live to get his first kill.
The cinematic experience created by director Danny Boyle brings the viewer on the journey with Spike into a world filled with fear and wonder where enemies lurk in every direction. The intense, fast-paced action of their exploration that most horror films save for the climax fills the first part of the movie. I found myself glued to the seat, heart racing.
The music direction complemented the film amazingly — tight, rhythmic drums matched the fear the viewers and Spike felt when he was being chased by the infected. The flashes of tasteful gore and unsettling images between quiet moments were masterfully placed to unease the watcher.
Despite the chilling premise and cinematography, what made this stand out to me is how emotionally rich it is. The idea of “memento mori,” or “remember you must die,” is echoed not only in dialogue but throughout the plot in visuals. I was left pondering my view of death and the mortality of human life.
What first appears as a terrifying tower of skulls on the film poster becomes something hauntingly beautiful by the end of the movie — a powerful reminder that both the living and the infected were once real people, each with their own story. Overall, “28 Years Later” isn’t just a horror film. It’s a bold reflection on the importance of death to life, and of course, zombies.
The next movie “28 Years Later: The Bone Temple” is scheduled to be released Jan. 16, 2026, and will include the return of Cilian Murphy’s character from “28 Days Later,” an exciting addition for fans.
Reach writer Grace Sommers at arts@thedailyuw.com. X: @graceees04. Bluesky: @graceees04.bsky.social.
Like what you’re reading? Support high-quality student journalism by donating here.
