Following a scene that sets the scene in the Scottish Highlands during the first Rage Virus outbreak in 2002, the audience is taken to a remote island hamlet off the Scottish mainland in the year 2030.  Spike (Alfie Williams), a sensitive youngster, is being led into a patriarchal rite of passage by his proud father Jamie (Aaron Taylor-Johnson), even though the delicate child would prefer to remain at home with his mother Isla (Jodie Comer), who is inexplicably unwell. 

Encouraged by the camaraderie his island neighbors have developed over the past few decades and the machismo his father has taught him, Spike consents to go with Jamie to the mainland.  They are isolated from the unknown by a causeway that is only accessible at low tide.  After arriving, Jamie shows Spike how to hunt the Infected, who have survived in large part because of what happened in 28 Weeks Later.  Although Spike shows great promise as a hunter, his attention is diverted by his mounting dissatisfaction and mistrust of everything, especially his father and an enigmatic fire that continues to burn deeper in the mainland. 

Aside from a few strategically placed jump scares, Danny Boyle and editor Jon harris maintain a palpable sense of dread throughout the movie. Boyle's mosaic direction also makes it impossible for the audience to predict what gory scene might be shown next.  In addition, Boyle and Garland have modified their Infected to include slow-moving, grotesquely bloated ghouls and hyper-competent (and enraged) predators known as Alphas, who have a propensity for tearing out spinal cords and heads in the manner of the Yautja. 

The zombie genre was brought back to life with 28 Days Later, but now 28 Years Later must contend with a crowded field that has been explored in every possible way.  Thankfully, the movie embraces this as a chance rather than a challenge and makes a sincere effort to steer clear of numerous clichés, only relying on them for effect.

Throughout the nearly two-hour duration of 28 Years Later, I experienced the heart-pounding excitement numerous times, which is what made the film go by so quickly.  The movie holds your attention for a considerable amount of time, but at the start of the third act, it takes the easy route in favor of setting up the next sequel.  The pacing, which has been very intentional up to this point, begins to unravel.  The stakes of Spike's story and his emotional throughline are a touch low, never quite reaching the goal, among the video game-like death shots and references to military mobilization. 

28 Years Later satisfies every requirement for a post-apocalyptic film.  It gives the project a pleasingly gritty, moss-covered quality while also offering context about how people live and insight into the outside world.   I don't think Boyle or Garland are trying too hard to terrify us. These days, a horror film can easily shock you with gore, but it has a harder time delivering its emotional punch.  Although it's not flawless, 28 Years Later is making every effort to improve.  

Overall, A Delirious Gory Thrill Ride 

Ratings: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
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28 Years Later Movie Review

SIBY JEYYA

20/06/2025 12:43 PM