28 Years Later review: Soulful sequel that’s filled with surprises and scares

In their subsequent venture into the zombie genre, directors Danny Boyle and writer Alex Garland deliver an action-packed horror film with a poignant undertone. This new project explores themes of loss, mortality, and the connections that unite us.

28 Days Later introduced swift “infected” creatures, which were actually human beings transformed by a virus known as ‘Rage.’ Instead of being referred to as ‘zombies,’ they were named in this movie.

The movie turned out to be a success, leading to a subsequent installment that took the narrative into intriguing realms, even though neither Garland nor Boyle were involved in the writing or direction of it.

However, these long-term partners return in “28 Years Later,” disregarding any sequels, instead presenting as a more direct continuation of the original film and an allegory for global events that have transpired since then.

What is 28 Years Later about?

28 years later, the story picks up after an alarming introduction featuring Rage-possessed individuals brutally attacking a group of children watching Teletubbies. Now, with the virus pushed out of Europe and confined to the UK, survivors are left to survive on their own.

In the initial sequences, the combined specters of Brexit and the pandemic loom large, particularly during our visit to Holy Island, where the inhabitants are immersed in an era devoid of technology, focusing on hunting, foraging, and drawing strength from the Blitz mentality to maintain their morale.

Emphasizing the same idea strongly, Boyle incorporates monochrome clips from World War periods along with vivid scenes from Olivier’s Henry V production. This serves to highlight the connection between then and now, and underscores the significant progress that has been lost.

On a small island lying apart from the mainland, which is accessible only during low tide, father Jamie (Aaron Taylor-Johnson) together with his 12-year-old son Spike (Alfie Williams), embark on their journey to allow the boy to claim his first ‘infected’ victim.

The initial portion of the movie transforms into an adventure tale, yet the objective of this journey proves to be rather futile since the monster, Spike, eliminates a ‘Slow-Low’ – a weakened species of contaminated creatures that move by crawling on their stomachs and feed on worms.

Alphas change the game

However, it’s important to note that Slow-Lows aren’t the only ones around. The duo also competes against an Alpha, a more advanced version, boasting greater size, strength, speed, and intelligence compared to its predecessors.

The casual comment reveals the reason behind the transformation, but it becomes clear that Alphas are capable of causing substantial harm, making them significantly more dangerous.

Additionally, they trigger the film’s thrilling climax, through an exhilarating nighttime chase illuminated by the starlight, and accentuated by Young Fathers’ intense musical score.

Once the short film concludes, two distinct personalities emerge as the central figures, each demonstrating their crucial role in driving the narrative forward.

The real mission

Jodie Comer’s character, Isla, is bedridden due to an undisclosed ailment that often causes confusion. Worried that her condition might claim her life and against the island’s regulations, Spike decides to take his mother off the island in search of medical assistance on the mainland.

When the enigmatic character Kelson (played by Ralph Fiennes) enters the scene, his painted physique, towering pile of skulls, and morphine-laced arrows hint that he could serve a role in this narrative analogous to Colonel Kurtz.

However, quite the opposite is accurate – Kelson is precisely the individual they require at that critical juncture. The moments shared between them are undeniably heartwarming, while the insights he offers infuse the narrative with a sense of optimism and understanding.

Actors at the top of their game

The sequence functions effectively because it’s acted out by actors at their peak performance level. Isla is a demanding part, since she seldom appears lucid, yet Comer subtly suggests her past and instills the character with a courage that becomes increasingly moving as the end approaches.

In this movie packed with unexpected twists, Fiennes’ character unfolds gradually, making it the most enjoyable revelation among them all.

In the game of life, I’ve found myself playing the role of a character not unlike Spike, sweet and fragile at first, but when my world crumbles, my anger rises, fueling a transformation. This fury gradually subsides, making room for a newfound pragmatism that eventually molds me into the hero this 28-year journey demands. Alfie Williams does an exceptional job embodying this evolving character in what feels like a coming-of-age movie.

In a somewhat unexpected twist that links back to the start yet seems surprising, Spike takes center stage once more in “The Bone Temple” (releasing in January). If Williams maintains control, the series can rest assured of its future.

Is 28 Years Later good?

28 Years Later has a minor thread exploring storytelling and how we create narratives to understand our world. This mirrors the work of Alex Garland and Danny Boyle, who are not only expanding the 28 universe but also telling a seemingly straightforward tale – a family dealing with crisis – that carries deeper complexity.

In this narrative, a touch of satire emerges, subtly addressing themes such as nationalism, self-isolation, and the paradoxical progression of small communities by retreating into the past. Yet, it’s important to note that no moral judgments are passed. Instead, the inhabitants of Holy Island, along with those we encounter on the mainland, are portrayed as taking whatever actions they believe are essential for their survival.

However, there’s an additional depth to this as well; it’s a deeply emotional tale that explores the beauty of existence, the pain of loss, and the strength required to persevere despite the challenges life may present.

28 Years Later score: 4/5

At times, the film “28 Years Later” seamlessly blends different genres, such as comedy and tragedy, action and horror, even within the same scene. However, it shines brightest when it focuses on the heartwarming tale of a mother’s love for her son.

28 Years Later will be released on June 20, 2025. Learn more about Cillian Murphy’s role in the sequels by clicking here, or follow this link to discover where the original film ranks on our list of top zombie movies.

2025-06-19 17:19