What Does 28 Years Later Reveal About Jimmy Savile’s Legacy?

28 Years LateA Chilling Reflection on Nostalgia and Reality

The haunting climax of 28 Years Later unveils a profound commentary on society as the protagonist, Spike, finds himself navigating a post-apocalyptic landscape shaped by the eerie influence of Sir Jimmy Crystal—a character embodying the twisted nostalgia of Jimmy Savile. Director Danny Boyle and writer Alex Garland artfully weave together rich symbolism and biting social critique, making this sequel not just a horror film, but an exploration of the complexities of memory and cultural myth-making.

In a bold narrative, the film critiques our post-Brexit and COVID world, symbolizing the rise of populism and nostalgia’s grip on the collective psyche. Garland’s portrayal of how memory can distort reality is vividly illustrated through Jamie’s retelling of his son Spike’s first scavenging adventure, where heroic mythologizing blurs the lines of truth and fiction. Jamie’s attempt to elevate his son’s actions into grand heroic tales unveils a central theme of the filour propensity to reshape memories into something more palatable.

As the narrative unfolds, the chilling specter of Jimmy Savile lingers—a man once portrayed as a national treasure, now revealed as a stark incarnation of evil. The film’s climax, with Spike pursued by infected hordes, introduces Sir Jimmy Crystal. Portrayed by Jack O’Connell, this character parades in eccentric attire reminiscent of Savile, sporting iconic jewelry and a striking presence. The bizarre cheer of Crystal and his acolytes, as they exaggerate Savile’s infamous catchphrase, serves as a grotesque satire of nostalgia gone awry.

Unmasking the Myth of Masculinity

Throughout the film, the themes of masculinity are intricately explored, particularly in Spike’s coming-of-age tale. At just twelve, he is thrust into a brutal reality on the mainland, and the harsh lessons of survival redefine his understanding of manhood. This evolution is further complicated by the revelation of his father’s infidelities and neglect toward Spike’s ailing mother. Garland delicately crafts Spike’s transformation from innocence to a more nuanced understanding of masculinity, embodied in his decision to care for his mother, away from his father’s selfishness.

The mythos surrounding Sir Jimmy Crystal draws a jarring parallel to Savile’s legacy—representing both the dangers of idolization and the allure of charismatic figures. The character becomes a troubling beacon of distorted masculinity, urging Spike to navigate his understanding of manhood against the sinister backdrop of a world shaped by violent ideologies.

In the sequel, 28 Years LateThe Bone Temple, set to further explore these themes, Spike’s relationship with his identity and masculinity will undergo deeper examination. As Cillian Murphy reprises his role as Jim, the connection to Crystal hints at a complex narrative where past evils are reinterpreted, further immersing viewers in a chilling discourse on what constitutes a role model. The interplay of reverence and revulsion around the legacy of figures like Savile underscores Garland’s ambitions to foster a collective reckoning with the mythologizing of persona—a theme steeped in cultural relevance.

In the world of 28 Years Later, where the boundaries of memory and reality blur, audiences are left grappling with questions that echo far beyond the screen. Through a lens of horror, Boyle and Garland invite us to confront the specters of our past, unraveling the myths that shape contemporary narratives.