28 Years Later Review: A Bleak Fever Dream Infected with Rage
The anticipation surrounding 28 Years Later is palpable, especially considering its iconic predecessor, 28 Days Later. This film, directed by Danny Boyle and penned by Alex Garland, marked a pivotal moment in the horror genre. It ushered in an era of fast-moving ghouls, defining modern zombie cinema with its intense, visceral action. The sense of hopelessness woven into Garland’s script grounded the fear in a reality that felt all too close to home.
A Return to Horror’s Roots
After (the hiatus) from the franchise following the graphic novel and 28 Weeks Later directed by Juan Carlos Fresnadillo, Boyle and Garland reunite for another jaunt into the post-apocalyptic world. 28 Years Later is set almost three decades after the devastating outbreak of the rage virus, and one can’t help but feel the weight of its themes. The filmmakers strive to craft a narrative that avoids redundancy despite the overwhelming influence of zombie-themed horror in pop culture.
Chasing Familiar Shadows
While the film excels at illustrating the changes in society after the outbreak, many of the story’s smaller beats appear almost overly familiar. This isn’t inherently a flaw; however, it raises expectations for a film that promises to delve deep into the psyche of survival. Rather than evoking the pulse-quickening terror that the original instilled, 28 Years Later veers into more conservative, at times, nationalistic territory.
Life on the Isle of Survival
The film opens with a striking reminder of societal chaos during the early days of the outbreak, setting the stage for Jamie (played by Aaron Taylor-Johnson) and his community. Living on a secluded island in northern England, they navigate a life filled with peril from the infected—knowledgeably, yet cautiously. The island’s unique geography, with its causeway disappearing at high tide, adds an ominous backdrop to their daily struggles.
The Weight of Family Legacy
Jamie, along with his ailing wife Isla (portrayed by Jodie Comer), strives to imbue their son Spike (played by Alfie Williams) with the skills necessary to survive in this ruthless world. With strict community rules, each venture off the island feels like a gamble as they gather resources, cognizant that no external help will come their way.
Despite being quarantined, Jamie’s community bears resentment towards the outside world, particularly towards neighboring nations. As they contend with the contaminated remnants of society, underlying tensions simmer beneath their community’s survival instinct.
Cinematic Language and Cultural Commentary
The racial homogeneity among Jamie’s community may appear intentional, showcasing a microcosm of a nation devastated yet profoundly British. With visual cues celebrating British identity, including archival footage from World War I and lines from Rudyard Kipling’s stirring poem, the film threads together a tapestry of national pride and despair.
Encounters with the Infected
As Jamie and Spike embark on their first expedition to the mainland, the stakes rise. The juxtaposition of excitement and dread reaches a climax as they confront the terrifying infected. However, the narrative feels reminiscent of other series, notably The Last of Us, as it explores the themes of fatherhood amid catastrophic circumstances.
Evolving Terror: Monsters of a New Age
One of the more innovative aspects of 28 Years Later is its take on the infected. While the familiar, rapid creatures still lurk, new entities emerge—the grotesque “slow-lows” move with a disturbing grace. The film brilliantly showcases these variations through compelling action sequences, utilizing a unique iPhone camera array that brings an exhilarating twist to visuals reminiscent of The Matrix.
Narrative Frustrations
Despite the tension-imbued visuals, some narrative decisions raise eyebrows. The characters frequently make choices that feel disconnected from their established survival instincts, especially as Isla steps into a larger role in the film’s latter half. This inconsistency grows wearisome, detracting from the film’s otherwise gripping aesthetic.
A Visual Masterpiece in Distress
Visually breathtaking, Boyle’s cinematography transforms the English countryside into an eerie juxtaposition of beauty and horror. A chase scene on the causeway highlights some of the most stunning visuals ever captured in zombie cinema, yet the storyline’s predictability prevents 28 Years Later from being a full-fledged triumph.
Looking Ahead: A New Trilogy Awaits
Although 28 Years Later presents conflicting messages and adheres to familiar structures, it serves as the initial installment of a promising trilogy. There’s a sense that any shortcomings may set the stage for subsequent films to evolve, just as the infected have.
In addition to Taylor-Johnson and Comer, 28 Years Later features a talented cast, including Ralph Fiennes, Jack O’Connell, and Emma Laird. The film is currently gracing theaters, ready to lurch into the hearts of audiences.
For an in-depth exploration of the film’s themes and production, check out articles on Collider and Screen Rant.
Dive into this haunting narrative and brace yourself for a visceral journey that challenges both your senses and perceptions of survival in a world gone mad.
