28 Years Later is a well-made, intense sequel, with its own story to tell
by Ed B.
28 Years Later is a gripping and worthy successor to Danny Boyle’s original 28 Days Later, skillfully reconnecting with the tone and themes of that 2002 landmark while distancing itself from the more action-heavy 28 Weeks Later. It stands as a powerful, standalone story that captures the horror and human struggle of a world still haunted by the Rage virus.
The story follows Jamie (Aaron Taylor-Johnson) and Spike (Alfie Williams). Spike is a sharp and resilient teenager on his first “hunt” with his father, Jamie. The two form navigate a zombie-filled existence isolated from the rest of the world, with a variety of different types of zombies this time around.
While it nods to 28 Days Later in atmosphere and thematic depth, the film wisely avoids relying too heavily on nostalgia or direct character carryovers. It also makes a clean break from 28 Weeks Later, setting a new course that feels both fresh and true to the original’s haunting realism. This installment is slower and more introspective, but the tension never lets up. Even in its quieter moments, the sense of danger and dread lingers just beneath the surface.
The acting is uniformly excellent. Aaron Taylor-Johnson brings a quiet intensity and emotional weight to Jamie, portraying a man who has seen too much and feels too little. Alfie Williams is a breakout star as Spike, giving the character both attitude and heart. Their dynamic drives the film, creating a believable and affecting bond that holds the emotional center. Every character feels fully realized, which heightens the emotional stakes when violence erupts.
Director Danny Boyle returns with a refined and mature style. His use of light, sound, and empty space creates an atmosphere that is haunting and immersive. The zombies remain as terrifying as ever. When they come, they are fast, brutal, and merciless. And their sparing use only increases their impact. Rather than nonstop chaos, the horror emerges in sharp, devastating bursts that stick with you.
The emotional core of the film is its strongest asset. You care deeply about the survivors and their fractured bonds. The ending is both satisfying and open-ended, wrapping up the personal journey at the film’s center while leaving room for future stories in a world that still has much to explore.
28 Years Later is more than just a return to form. It is a bold evolution that honors its roots, surpasses expectations, and proves that even after nearly three decades, this franchise still has bite.
Ed’s Score: 9/10
