28 Years Later is the third entry in the over two decade long 28 series of horror films. Unlike the original film 28 Days Later, the new addition tackles the idea of an infection that’s evolved and become more comparable to the humans they once were.
Directed by Danny Boyle and written by Alex Garland, the duo that created the first film, 28 Years Later follows Spike (Alfie Williams), a twelve year-old boy that grows up distant from the Rage infection that has ravaged the UK for 28 years. He eventually comes face to face with the Rage and is forced to make a life altering decision that has dire consequences.
Aaron Taylor Johnson, Jodie Comer and Ralph Fiennes also have roles within the film, aiding Spike across the film’s almost two hour runtime.
The Rage Infection is placed front and centre within 28 Years as, due to the many years that have passed, those that have been infected have begun to change and adapt. They’re still the fast moving zombies everyone has come to love, but there’s a couple of surprises among the infected that will certainly leave the audience baffled.
Just as Cillian Murphy had delivered an all timer performance as Jim in 28 Days Later, fourteen year-old Alfie Williams plays the young Spike with a palpable realness that makes it hard to not love the character. His connection to his mother, played by Jodie Comer, and his father, played by Aaron Taylor Johnson, is explored in a realistic way that results in a couple of tear jerker moments.
Danny Boyle’s frantic style of directing remains present in 28 Years, with multiple moments of unrelated footage spliced in against the film which creates a mood that’s often quite jarring. This style however does fit well within 28’s world of vicious infected and unpredictable people.
Image Credit: Sony Pictures Releasing
Boyle and Garland didn’t want to create a “safe” sequel with 28 Years Later– they wanted to push the franchise in a new direction by tackling new issues whilst keeping true to the original films DNA.
This time life and death are important. Understanding that no matter what, everyone will die but also everyone will live is a core pillar of the film that is explored deeply throughout the second and third acts.
Unfortunately the film doesn’t end in the most satisfying way, ending with a cliff-hanger and a reference to The Teletubbies, rather than concluding Spike’s journey. This is because a sequel, set to release next year, will continue to build out the new era of the franchise, as well as bring back Cillian Murphy as Jim to the series after over twenty years.
28 Years Later is a left turn for the franchise and one many won’t enjoy, but the focus on raw horror and an unforgettable story is refreshing to see especially from Boyle and Garland.
Little is know about the sequel to 28 Years Later other than that Jack O’Connel and Cillain Murphy will play very important roles within the film.
Featured Image Credit: Sony Pictures Releasing
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