The rage keeps going on in Danny Boyle’s horror thriller 28 Years Later. Continuing to pulverize humans that are struggling to exist zombies attack a colony of survivors is this film’s main theme. One of the masters of horror, Boyle is actually known for his Oscar for a very different kind of film the crime drama Slumdog Millionaire that received 8 of the statues including Best Motion Picture. That said this film has more of his life’s work and that includes scarring his audience with some goulash thrills. If you like sudden impact violence with a lot of bloody action then run to see 28 Years Later.
It’s been 28 years since ghouls of an experiment gone awry turned apes into raging monsters that infected anyone coming in contact with their blood. A Glimpse of what has happened in the meantime as pictured in 28 Weeks Later (directed by Juan Carlos Fresnadillo) that completely destroyed London has brought survivors that retreated to safety in countries similar to Ireland and Scotland. Here we find a village of survivors that has taken refuge on an offshore island living in a seaside fortress that is fighting off the zombie-like humans. There only hope is to fend off the monsters that come across a causeway with a thirst for their blood.
On this one day, Spike’s (Alfie Williams) father Jamie (Aron Taylor-Johnson) decides that he is ready to go on a reconnaissance to kill zombies that are accumulating across the channel. It’s chancy since it will be Spike’s first up-close fight and Jamie’s challenge to complete the mission with only his novice son. When things start to spiral down, things look dim for the two until they meet Dr. Kelson (Ralph Fiennes).
If you are a fan of horror on a non-stop level, then this is your cup of blood. Even if you have not seen the previous two films 28 Days Later and 28 Weeks Later, this one could be considered a stand-alone film. There’s not much need to see the two knowing that it all starts in a misfired lab experiment and then spreads throughout London to “enjoy” this last part of the trilogy. The cinematography, special effects, locations and acting are terrific with special applause to Alfie Williams as Spike who carries the plot throughout the nearly 2 hours.
28 Years Later has been R by the MPAA for strong bloody violence, grisly images, graphic nudity, language and brief sexuality. The nudity holds nothing for the imagination so be particularly cautious with deciding to take young immature children to watch the film. My recommendation is for adults who are well versed with violence in movies, 4 out of 5 stars.
Additional Film Information:
Cast: Alfie Williams, Jodie Comer, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Ralph Fiennes
Directed by: Danny Boyle
Genre: Horror, Terror, Thriller
MPAA Rating: R for strong bloody violence, grisly images, graphic nudity, language and brief sexuality.
Running Time: 1 hr. 55 min.
Opening Date: June 20, 2025
Distributed by: Sony Pictures Releasing
Released in: Theaters
Writer, critic, film editor John Delia, Sr. has been on all sides of the movie business from publications to film making. He has worked as a film critic with ACED Magazine for more than 20 years and other publications for a total of 40 years. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in communications from the University of Florida. John is a member of the Southeastern Film Critics Association and Critics Association of Central Florida Send John a message at jdelia@acedmagazine.com
