Warning: This article contains spoilers for 28 Years Later, as well as mentions of real-life sexual abuse.
UK and US audiences have had very different reactions to the final moments of 28 Years Later. This third installment in the franchise follows the Rage virus devastating the British Isles, creating a post-apocalyptic landscape. The ending of 28 Years Later takes a bizarre turn, introducing young survivor Spike (Alfie Williams) to a cult of survivors in colorful tracksuits, all named Jimmy, who use karate moves against the Infected and are led by Sir Jimmy Crystal (Jack O’Connell).
This ending has split audiences due to its major tonal shift and hidden references to British pop culture. Many American viewers on social media believe the ending nods to Power Rangers, as Spike is seen with a Power Rangers toy. In contrast, British viewers and those familiar with British culture find the ending’s meaning deeper and darker. Here are some select reactions:
Tony Johns shared a gif of Homelander from The Boys, watching intently, captioned “Everybody watching 28 Years Later end with a Power Rangers scene.”
Blank posted a gif of the Power Rangers, adding “28 Years Later ending with no context.”
Cameron Box reacted, stating, “The ending of 28 YEARS LATER has one of the most jarring tonal shifts I’ve ever seen, and honestly, it’s kind of incredible.“
Jay Thomas echoed this sentiment, admitting, “I’m legit at a loss for words” and labeled the ending “so hilariously f—ing weird.”
Mauricio La Plante offered a contrasting perspective, sharing side-by-side images of Mr. Incredible with the caption “Watching the end of 28 Years Later before knowing who Jimmy Savile was vs. after knowing.“
Robert Daniels commented, suggesting the ending “is gonna reveal who’s actually up on their British pop culture” and deemed it “possibly the most chilling scene in the entire movie.“
Alex MacKay shared a gif of Giancarlo Esposito, laughing before growing serious, commenting on “Americans thinking the ending is a goofy Power Rangers homage, versus a British audience.“
Wajahat Ali proposed that the conclusion will make more sense if viewers “pay close attention to the beginning and what the kids are watching,” referring to children watching Teletubbies while Infected attack their home.
What This Means For 28 Years Later
Who Is Jimmy Savile?
The divisive ending harbors a deeper meaning beyond introducing an eccentric group. Familiarity with British pop culture reveals that Sir Jimmy Crystal mirrors the notorious television personality Jimmy Savile, who faced numerous allegations of sexual abuse during his life. The character’s name and appearance starkly parallel the real-life figure.
While director Danny Boyle and screenwriter Alex Garland have remained vague about Savile’s direct influence on Sir Jimmy Crystal, Boyle recently hinted at the character’s actions being “kind of twisting in this partial remembrance, clinging onto things and then recreating them as an image for followers.” This collection of memories intertwines with Teletubbies, Power Rangers, war movies, and various aspects of pop culture.
Our Take On The 28 Years Later Reactions
Sir Jimmy & His Cult Highlight The Movie’s Themes
The contrasting reactions emphasize how 28 Years Later is a distinctly British narrative. Themes of British identity resonate throughout, especially through the character of Isla (Jodie Comer), whose name evokes the British Isles. Her demise symbolizes the decay of British culture and history, reflected in the fragmented war footage and other pop culture references interspersed throughout the film and within the aesthetic of Jimmy’s cult.
Source: Various (see above)