Holy shit… that’s the first thing I said once I left the theater after watching 28 Years Later. An extremely unique, original experience that will not only have you on the edge of your seat but it can even be surprisingly emotional sometimes. Yes, 28 Years Later is not only the best horto film of the year but also one of the best horror films of the decade. Danny Boyle delivered a masterwork in easily his best directorial work yet.
Nearly thirty years have passed since the rage virus broke out from a biological weapons lab, and now, under a harshly enforced quarantine, some have managed to survive among the infected. One such group resides on a small island linked to the mainland by a single, heavily fortified causeway. When a member of the group ventures into the mainland’s shadowy core, he uncovers secrets, marvels, and terrors that have transformed not only the infected—but other survivors, too.
It’s a movie about human nature and survival, a very visceral experience of what it is to live in this world. We have amazing performances from Jodie Comer, Alfie Williams, Aaron Taylor-Johnson and Ralph Fiennes. An amazing cast with characters that you will care about. Every single one of them have a unique personality and that’s why they work so well together. Another standout from the cast that wasn’t shown in the trailer is Edvin Ryding, he’s great in it even with not many scenes. I went to watch this movie with zero expectations, not knowing what was coming but I ended up surprised by how well crafted this was. The direction, cinematography, editing, the entire camera work is just perfect and there are some specific scenes that will keep stuck to your brain once you see it.
It’s the type of movie that the less you know about it, the most likely it is that you’ll love it. When we see a “zombie apocalypse movie” what do we expect? Terrifying scenes, visceral kills, creative storyline, and survival situations that will have you biting your nails to see what’s coming next. And I’ll say this, 28 Years Later has all of that and more. The story, even though it is a simple one, is executed in the best way possible. There are some great kills and great horror, but it’s safe to say that not all of the film is horror, there is a lot of heart and emotional attached to it and it’s clear, and I think that this is what it made the film so unique and original in my point of view. Make sure to experience this one in the biggest screen possible.
With all that said, you might be wondering if the film sticks the landing with its ending. Look, you must be aware that this is a Part 1 of a 3 part trilogy, so of course the “ending” is not really an actual ending. But I must confess that this didn’t affect me at all. The film has a completed and rounded story where the characters resolve their problems and goals but then they bring a tease of what’s next for it all, they just leave the door open for the next film. But the story never felt incomplete or like it was missing something. If you’re a big fan of horror films or zombie films, this one is for you…
28 Years Later is not only the best horror film of the year but also a remarkable, unique, visceral, surprisingly emotional experience with some great camera work that is worth seeing on the biggest screen possible.
28 Years Later releases in theaters on June 20.
