28 Years Later crew explain how Alpha chase was filmed and it was more “terrifying” on set

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Among the most terrifying (yet captivating) moments in “28 Days Later” takes place in a former immunization clinic, namely the Alpha chase scene.

In the film, Jamie, portrayed by Aaron Taylor-Johnson, and Spike, played by Alfie Williams, manage to reach the causeway at a mostly exposed tide level, then wade their way through the water until they reach Holy Island.

Meanwhile, the Alpha – an extraordinarily contagious creature – spots them at a distance, and soon enough, it’s on their heels, closing the gap step by step as they frantically run towards the gates, trying to escape.

Filming this was as nerve-wracking for the cameraman as it was to watch, being incredibly gripping all along.

How 28 Years Later DP filmed that incredible Alpha chase

Anthony Dod Mantle, the film’s cinematographer, shared with Variety how they chose to shoot a particular scene within an old vaccination center in the United Kingdom. According to him, the space was vast, resembling a massive hall, and they constructed the causeway inside this expansive area.

We added water, ensuring it remained at a regulated temperature. Constructing an extensive structure measuring 450 feet in length, complete with a central gate, was no easy feat. Illuminating this setup was necessary.”

This version maintains the original meaning while using simpler, more natural language.

To establish a distinct visual setting for the scene, Dod Mantle employed dishes from an astronomy center to depict a pristine, smog-free sky. He expressed, to some degree, that 28 years into the future, there will be no pollution, no vehicles, and no obstructions. Therefore, we imagine the air as being clear and unspoiled.

The pursuit was filmed at high speed utilizing twin camera dollies, technocranes, and a unique “head-mounted” camera setup called the “bar cam,” which consisted of several iPhones placed around Aaron Taylor-Johnson’s head. Dod Mantle commented, “It was quite intense. However, we managed to pull it off.

He not only characterized the scene as blissful, but also referred to it as strangely awe-inspiring, with a touch of melancholy, beauty, and a hint of terror.

He went on to express his fondness for the mysterious, multi-faceted nature of beauty, sadness, fear, and the horror genre, encompassing all its varying shades.

I ended up being far more scared than I anticipated on the causeway. With each thundering step that [the Alpha] took from behind me and toward us, the experience became downright petrifying. The sound alone was enough to induce fear, not to mention how it was filmed and lit.

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2025-06-25 14:18