28 Years Later is an intense horror that will have viewers’ hearts pounding nearly all the way through, though some parts will leave them divided.
28 Years Later welcomes horror fans back into the world of the infected set by 28 Days Later and 28 Weeks Later. This is not a direct follow-up, in that you can easily understand what is going on without having seen the previous films. It should also be noted that this is the start of a new trilogy, so it does end in a way that sets up for what is to come, and that is sure to leave audiences divided.
Decades after the first virus outbreak, this film heavily focuses on the quarantined islands of the United Kingdom and a community that has found a way to survive through all the craziness. They are connected to the mainland by a causeway that is completely underwater during high tide, allowing them to heavily defend the one way in and keep them protected from the infected.
Alfie Williams Is A Star
When Jamie (Aaron Taylor-Johnson) feels that his 12-year-old son Spike (Alfie Williams) is old enough to travel to the mainland and get his first kill, it sets in motion a story of terror, determination, and adventure. Without getting too into spoilers, things do not exactly go according to plan for Jamie, which means that Aaron Taylor-Johnson is not as much a part of the film as some might expect (no, he does not die).
This is all perfectly fine, however, because he shines when he is on screen, but then passes the torch over to Williams, who absolutely nails being the lead character of the film. He is incredible, nailing every single emotional beat. Whether he is scared of a horde of zombies or concerned for his ailing mother, or everything in between. This kid is going places. He was great in His Dark Materials, so it shouldn’t come as a surprise, but he has really come into his own here, and I truly cannot wait to see what he brings to the second and third films of this trilogy.
28 Years Later Focuses On An Emotional Story Taking Place In A Broken World
As with many horror movies, there is a lot more to it than well-placed jump scares, an eerie score, and sound design that is made to put viewers on edge. 28 Years Later might be scary at times, but it is the emotional story at the core that makes it what it is. Jodie Comer plays Isla, Spike’s mother. She is sick, but not with the zombie infection. No one is sure what is wrong with her, but after discovering there is a doctor, or at least someone who used to be one, on the mainland, Spike risks everything to help her.
Their bond, and the chemistry between Williams and Comer, is enough to bring some to tears (hey, I shed a few). This becomes a story about a mother and her son, amidst all the zombies attacking. These two steal the show, there is no doubt about that. Ralph Fiennes has a smaller, but very important, role in 28 Years Later. He is, as always, incredible, leaving a lasting impression.
The Ending Will Likely Leave Audiences Divided
With impressive cinematography, a phenomenal cast, magnificent sound design, just enough blood, gore, and scares, and a captivating story, there is a lot to appreciate about 28 Years Later. The end, however, is going to make some viewers feel as if it “jumped the shark” and will leave them scratching their heads. For me, I rather enjoyed it.
The important thing to remember is that this movie is going to lead right into the next one. So, after all the loose ends are tied up and emotions are running high, it makes sense for Danny Boyle to share a glimpse of what he has up his sleeve. The ending is a direct tie-in to the beginning and belongs there. The only thing I would have suggested would be making it an end credit scene, so it isn’t so jarring when it happens.
Still, I had a blast with 28 Years Later. I was on the edge of my seat at times and burying my head in my hands at others. It is scary, intense, and exactly what I wanted. I will be seated for the next one.
NEXT: I Don’t Understand You: A Hilariously Horrific Honeymoon from Hell
About 28 Years Later
Academy Award®-winning director Danny Boyle and Academy Award®-nominated writer Alex Garland reunite for 28 Years Later, a terrifying new “auteur horror” story set in the world created by 28 Days Later.
It’s been almost three decades since the rage virus escaped a biological weapons laboratory, and now, still in a ruthlessly enforced quarantine, some have found ways to exist amidst the infected.
One such group of survivors lives on a small island connected to the mainland by a single, heavily-defended causeway. When one of the group leaves the island on a mission into the dark heart of the mainland, he discovers secrets, wonders, and horrors that have mutated not only the infected but other survivors as well.
28 Years Later comes to theaters June 20.
28 Years Later is an intense horror that will have viewers' hearts pounding nearly all the way through, though some parts will leave them divided.
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Tessa Smith is a Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer-approved Film and TV Critic. On Camera personality and TV / Film Critic with 10+ years of experience in video editing, writing, editing, moderating, and hosting.