Movie Review: "28 Years Later" – A Haunting Return to a Familiar Nightmare
In the world of cinema, very few films can successfully predict the future. However, Danny Boyle’s groundbreaking 2002 dystopian thriller, “28 Days Later,” accomplished this remarkable feat by intertwining two seemingly unrelated themes: a global pandemic and the terrifying concept of fast-moving zombies. Fast-forward to today, and Boyle, alongside screenwriter Alex Garland, is back with the highly anticipated sequel, “28 Years Later.”
A Film Ahead of Its Time
When “28 Days Later” debuted, many were preoccupied with global events like the Afghanistan War and the rise of pop culture phenomena like American Idol. Meanwhile, Boyle and Garland skillfully explored the fragile state of society, highlighting how quickly horror could manifest in our lives. This foresight resonates powerfully with today’s audiences, having experienced their own pandemic just a few years prior.
Interesting to note, Boyle has always asserted that his "zombies" are not traditional undead, but rather the infected—which adds a unique twist to the genre. Following the aftermath of the rage virus that decimated London, both “28 Days Later” and its sequel, “28 Weeks Later,” did an exceptional job showcasing the fallout of this harrowing epidemic.
The Toughness of the "28" Franchise
In “28 Years Later,” Boyle and Garland return to their apocalyptic vision, now armed with the experiences of surviving a pandemic. Yet, this third installment presents a surprising twist: recent global events play a lesser role than anticipated.
Instead of expanding the franchise to new territories like many sequels do, “28 Years Later” remains rooted in the U.K., depicting a world where zombie hordes roam freely. Survivors, including our primary characters, find refuge on a remote island connected to the mainland only by a stone causeway that vanishes at high tide.
A Distinct Visual Experience
Boyle collaborates once more with cinematographer Anthony Dod Mantle, leveraging an innovative approach using iPhones to shoot most of this film. Known for his frenetic style, Boyle delivers a visually captivating—albeit disjointed—experience. The unique choice of medium, paired with the film’s tonal extremes, creates an often bumpy ride, but Boyle courageously resists conforming to typical blockbuster expectations.
Themes of Isolation and Survival
The elephant in the room is less the COVID-19 pandemic and more the implications of Brexit. With the virus trapped in Britain, the country exists as a quarantined region from the rest of Europe. Here, we find 12-year-old Spike (portrayed by newcomer Alfie Williams), living with his father, Jamie (Aaron Taylor-Johnson), and bedridden mother, Isla (Jodie Comer). The film introduces an almost medieval setting where survival is paramount; makeshift watchtowers and bows are the order of the day.
As Jamie guides Spike into this harsh reality during his first hunt for the infected, a stark conflict arises between masculinity and vulnerability. Spike’s innocent observation—“They’re all lyin’, mum”—sets the stage for deeper reflections on loyalty and truth.
An Unexpected Journey
Driven by a quest for healing, Spike resolves to seek out a distant, enigmatic doctor whose erratic fires perplex the islanders. Along their journey, they encounter a vibrant array of characters, including a colorful Ralph Fiennes as the doctor and a charmingly confused mother—often mistaking her son for her partner.
Interestingly, the infected evolve in this film; while some maintain their Olympic-worthy speed, others, humorously dubbed “Slow-Lows,” lumber around, searching for sustenance. This duality adds a layer of complexity to the horror elements, creating moments of both tension and relief.
A Soulful Coming-of-Age Film
Buried beneath the chaos of its zombie-infested landscape, “28 Years Later” weaves thoughtful reflections on mortality and misguided exceptionalism. Surprisingly lyrical amid the carnage, it presents a coming-of-age narrative rich with emotional depth—worthy of lamentation given the spinal cords ripped from bodies throughout.
Boyle’s persistence in crafting this franchise is commendable, especially as a sequel—“28 Days Later: The Bone Temple”—is already in the works, directed by Nia DaCosta. As societal anxieties evolve, it becomes clear that themes of infection and rage resonate profoundly in our times, making this franchise ever-relevant.
Final Thoughts
“28 Years Later,” a Sony Pictures release, pushes the boundaries of horror, merging emotional weight with relentless action. Rated R by the Motion Picture Association for graphic violence, nudity, and language, it’s a bold return to a world marred by chaos. Running a crisp 115 minutes, this film invites you to grapple with your fears while reflecting on the resilience of the human spirit.
Overall, I award it two stars out of four—a commendable effort, jam-packed with creativity and reflections, even if it doesn’t fully coalesce.
Explore More
For a deeper dive into dystopian cinema, check out The Dystopian Landscape of Modern Film and explore how other films tackle themes of survival amid chaos.
