- "28 Years Later" is praised as the best in the zombie franchise.
- The film excels in world-building, character development, and emotional depth.
- Strong performances by Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Jodie Comer, and Ralph Fiennes stand out.
The "28 Days Later" franchise has always had a unique place in the zombie genre. The original 2002 film, with its low budget but high-quality feel, became a cult classic for its intense atmosphere and chilling portrayal of a world ravaged by a deadly virus.
"28 Weeks Later" followed five years later, but while it had an increased budget, it couldn't quite capture the magic of the first film. Now, 18 years after the second movie, "28 Years Later" arrives, and with it, a new set of characters, a more established world, and a more seasoned take on survival.
I'll admit I wasn't overly excited about "28 Years Later," especially after my mixed feelings about the first two movies. However, with Danny Boyle and Alex Garland returning as director and writer, I had some renewed hope. And while the film has its issues, I have to admit, it's my favorite of the series. I'm now intrigued to see where the franchise goes next.
The good
The new world is captivating
In "28 Days Later" and "28 Weeks Later," we watched characters navigate a world that was still in chaos, trying to figure out how to survive in a world overrun by rage-fueled zombies. In "28 Years Later," the world has had decades to adjust to this new reality. The younger generation knows nothing but this life, and I loved the world-building here.
The survivors have learned how to live with this virus, and it's fascinating to see how they've adapted. The film does an excellent job of showing us how society has evolved and how people survive in a world filled with predators. Garland and Boyle have created a world that feels lived-in and believable, and I was sucked into this new dynamic.
It's not just about survival anymore; it's about finding some semblance of normalcy in an altered world. Watching the younger generation, who have grown up with the virus, react to it differently from the older characters adds a nice layer of complexity to the film. The adaptation of society felt authentic, and it was one of the film's most compelling aspects.
I was sucked into the story and characters
The true strength of "28 Years Later" lies in its characters. While the first two films had strong moments with character development, "28 Years Later" does a much better job of making us care about the people on screen.
I won't give away any spoilers, but I was fully invested in the plot and the characters' motivations. The relationships at the core of this movie felt real, especially when it comes to family and loyalty. As with the first two films, the story is grounded in human connections, but here, it's played to a much stronger effect.
The emotional heart of the film is woven through the chaos, and that's what makes "28 Years Later" more emotionally accessible than the previous entries. Even in the absurdity of the zombie apocalypse, the film has moments of profound emotional resonance.
The character motivations, or lack thereof, feel authentic, and the stakes feel more personal than they did in the earlier films. While the world of "28 Years Later" is chaotic and dangerous, the emotional arcs of the characters give depth and meaning.
The acting
The acting in "28 Years Later" is another highlight. Everyone does a solid job in their respective roles, but the standouts are undoubtedly the leads: Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Jodie Comer, Ralph Fiennes, and Alfie Williams. These actors are clearly committed to the material, and their chemistry on screen is palpable.
Williams, in particular, gives an outstanding performance. The young actor portrays his emotional journey with such depth that it feels like we're watching him grow up right before our eyes. His character is forced to do more than any 12-year-old should, and Williams nails the emotional complexity of this transformation.
Comer and Taylor-Johnson are both excellent as well. They embody their characters perfectly and bring real depth to their performances. But the real treat for me was Fiennes. We all know he's a fantastic actor, but his performance here is nothing short of mesmerizing. On paper, his character might seem like someone we could easily dislike, but Fiennes' portrayal makes us empathize with him. He brings an unusual combination of oddity and warmth that makes his character compelling and unexpectedly likable.
The OK
A shift in focus
If you're familiar with the "28 Days Later" series, you'll know that these movies love to send us on a journey in one direction and then throw a curveball that shifts the focus entirely. This is, in part, what makes the series unique, but in "28 Years Later," it felt like the film pulled this trick a little too much.
Without getting into spoilers, I'll say this: The movie starts off focusing on one particular aspect of the story and feels like it's heading toward a certain narrative. Then, that storyline abruptly shifts, and we're suddenly plunged into a whole new direction.
While I understand why the filmmakers made this choice and why it's important to the overall plot, I wish the transition had come a little earlier. The second part of the film was so engrossing that I found myself wanting to spend more time with it as opposed to our initial journey. It's a minor gripe, but it did affect the pacing a bit.
What parents should know
"28 Years Later" is rated R, and it earns its rating. There is plenty of zombie violence, graphic deaths, and intense action sequences. The infected are disturbing, with their grotesque designs, and the deaths are brutal and unrelenting.
There is some nudity, but it's nonsexual and mostly fleeting, as the infected move quickly and violently. There's also a brief sexual scene, though no nudity is shown.
As expected with an R rating, the language is strong, and the violence is graphic. This is not a movie for younger audiences, and parents should consider whether their teens or they themselves are ready for its intense content.
Conclusion
The world-building, character development, and emotional depth make "28 Years Later" a standout, even if the story follows some familiar beats. The acting is fantastic across the board, with Taylor-Johnson, Comer, Fiennes, and especially Williams bringing real emotional weight to the film. While the movie does have a few pacing issues and a shift in direction that could have been handled better, it's still a thrilling, engaging ride.
If you're a fan of the "28 Days Later" series or zombie films in general, "28 Years Later" is worth watching. It delivers a solid story, great characters, and plenty of action, while staying true to the emotional heart of the franchise.
"28 Years Later" is officially rated R for graphic violence, gore, and strong language.
