28 Years Later Review
If it weren’t for 28 Days Later, the zombie horror movie genre wouldn’t be as expansive as it is today. Danny Boyle’s 2002 original movie set a new bar with many elements that made it stand out, from its low-quality video cinematography to its realistic premise for its “rage virus” to the introduction of the running zombie. Over 23 years later (contrary to the film’s title), Boyle hopes to rekindle the flame with 28 Years Later with new techniques and an up-to-date story. It does give fans some creatively action-packed moments at the cost of some narrative turns.
28 Years Later sees how the survivors of the United Kingdom are holding up after the Rage virus was spread. It follows a family of three: Isla (Jodie Comer), a mother suffering from a mental condition, Jamie (Aaron Taylor-Johnson), her scavenger husband, and Spike (Alfie Williams), their son. Their society follows a tradition where young men venture out to the mainland to prove their worth. However, when Isla’s condition begins to worsen, Spike takes it upon himself to save his mother at any cost.
As with any film in the 28 Days Later series, there’s always something new to behold. That is apparent with Boyle’s choice to incorporate IPhone rigs, with Anthony Dod Mantle’s help, to present those absolutely gory infected kills. Nearly every kill will put you into a loop as it spins around every point of impact, whether it be an arrow through the head or an explosive body shot. These moments, which feel like Mortal Kombat slow-motion kill shots, do a great job capturing that physical brutality Boyle seeks to invoke.
The practicality of it all is just extremely impressive, ranging from those big set pieces that might return in 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple to the props themselves. This applies to the entirety of the third act, taking place at hallowed grounds filled to the brim with columns made of bones and a whole spire made of skulls. As for props, there’s one that pops out (quite literally in the film) that’ll make you feel properly disgusted.
The story of 28 Years Later feels incredibly personal as we watch Spike’s upbringing into manhood through survivalism. Spike is incredibly hesitant to take up the torch from his father, whose extreme drunkenness makes him a bad parental figure. Yet, when he does so later on by guiding his mother to the mysterious Dr. Ian (Ralph Fiennes), Spike starts to display this determined affection to do what he can for his mother. The dynamic between Spike and Isla is what holds this film together and each emotional moment they share gradually makes you feel sympathetic for the two.
As such, the performances from the main cast really carry the narrative of 28 Years Later. However, Alfie Williams delivers a standout performance, being able to retain that inner youthful curiosity about the current world underneath the tough mental shell Spike has thanks to Jamie. The mother-son chemistry he shares with Comer, who’s wonderfully somber as the mentally deteriorating Isla, feels natural, yet poignant. As for Aaron Taylor-Johnson, who mostly appears in the film’s first act, there’s a bit of sympathy that he gives to Jamie. However, you might find yourself hating him later on for one particular reason.
While 28 Years Later mostly works visually and narratively, it can be a bit extreme with its audio cues and sound design. It consistently maintains this punk-esque aesthetic sound-wise, having these brash and loud sequences that border on the edge of deafening. It might also go back and forth between being soft and noisy, especially during those infected chase scenes. However, it almost seems fitting that Boyle wants to maintain this quirkiness that’s been with the films for so long.
28 Years Later is a solid follow-up thanks to Boyle’s mastery of his visual craft, intense moments of suspense and horrific thrills, and exceptional performances from Alfie Williams, Jodie Comer, and Aaron Taylor-Johnson. While we thankfully get to explore more of this tragic reality with its upcoming sequels, 28 Years Later successfully pulls us back in decades later even with its shortcomings.
28 Years Later releases in theaters on June 20.
Rating: ★★★★
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Christopher Gallardo is a freelance entertainment writer and critic. While not running The Reel Roller, Chris can be found writing reviews and breakdowns on all things films and TV. Outside of entertainment writing, he’s currently taking classes for a Bachelor’s of Science with a minor in Digital Media & Journalism. Plus, he loves Percy Jackson, animated films and shows, and Fallout! Follow Christopher on Instagram & X.