Imagine a world plagued by a virus that turns the living into ravenous beasts. It’s a cinematic thrill that lingers in our minds, especially since director Danny Boyle and screenwriter Alex Garland crafted their British horror masterpiece, 28 Days Later, over two decades ago. Today, they return to the screen with a thrilling sequel, 28 Years Later, which has already captured audiences’ imaginations.
This film is the third in the franchise and marks the beginning of an exciting new trilogy. Following the intense events of 28 Weeks Later, the narrative picks up after the survivors abandon the only haven they had on District 1 in Canary Wharf, boarding a helicopter bound for France. Yet, within the turbulence of this escape lies a shocking revelatioa young boy carries the Rage virus, possessing the ability to infect others without being overtly affected himself.
As the story unfolds, the audience finds themselves at a cliffhanger with zombies sprinting toward the iconic Eiffel Tower. The terror has spread to mainland Europe, leaving us questioning how a thriving metropolis fell victim to this nightmare.
Boyle had envisioned diving deeper into this apocalyptic world as early as 2007, aiming for 28 Months Later to be set in Russia. However, plans never materialized, and Garland instead redirected his creativity into this new trilogy, going as far as to weave intricate themes into the storyline. In his latest effort, he introduces a significant retcon from 28 Weeks Later. A body of text reveals that despite the chaos, European countries managed to push the virus back, quarantining Great Britain entirely.
Herein lies the movie’s biggest twist. The idea that Europe could contain such a virus on multiple continents feels far-fetched, given the nature of the sprinting zombies. Nevertheless, as Garland connects plot threads from the previous films, he successfully delivers a poignant narrative reflecting British isolationism in a post-Brexit and COVID-19 world.
The rich visual storytelling keeps viewers on the edge of their seats. Critics are taking notice, and the reception has been overwhelmingly positive. This writer awarded 28 Years Later a full five stars, boldly declaring it the best film of the year. While some might perceive plot holes, particularly those rooted in artistic license, it’s clear that the emotional depth and cultural commentary resonate powerfully with audiences.
28 Years Later is in cinemas now, inviting viewers to experience its gripping tale of survival and resilience.