A Bold, Bloody, Bittersweet Evolution of the Franchise
Let me start with a confession: 28 Days Later has never been one of my favorite horror franchises. Not because I have zombie fatigue – I don’t – but because I never felt the deep connection to the series that so many fans do. So when I walked into 28 Years Later, I wasn’t carrying any sacred expectations. And maybe that’s exactly why I came away enjoying it as much as I did.
I saw the film on a summer night after a full day at the pool with 13 friends – a perfect setup for a popcorn-fueled blockbuster. The reactions in our group were split: about half liked it, half didn’t. No one loved it, and a few strongly disliked it. That division sparked a theory: if you’re deeply attached to 28 Days Later, this may not be the follow-up you were hoping for. But if you’re approaching this as a standalone or with fresh eyes, you might find a lot to like.
The Story
The film centers around Spike (Alfie Williams), his father Jamie (Aaron Taylor-Johnson), and his ailing mother Isla (Jodie Comer), who live on a remote British Isle. Isla is clearly sick – though not from the rage virus – and Spike and Jamie set off to the mainland to scavenge and apply survival tactics that Spike has been learning over his 12 years of life. This is Spike’s first time on the mainland and we’re introduced to a new generation of infected: “Crawlers,” grotesquely bloated zombies, and terrifying “Alphas” – faster, stronger, more intelligent.
There’s one standout sequence I have to mention: a flooded causeway escape that plays like a horror-action ballet. It’s one of the best action scenes I’ve seen on screen this year – pure adrenaline, tension, and style. That scene alone is worth seeing in theaters.
Once Spike reconnects with Isla at home, the heart of the film begins to show. Their journey to find a doctor on the mainland becomes a story about love, survival, and what it means to fight for someone when all hope seems lost.
Heart, Humor, and Humanity
The inclusion of humor has proven divisive among fans. A Swedish soldier named Erik adds levity and contrast, bringing in a glimpse of a “normal” world still untouched by the outbreak. When Erik shows Spike a photo of his girlfriend, Spike is baffled by her appearance – lip fillers, Botox, and a smartphone he doesn’t recognize. Some viewers felt the film leaned too far into comedy here, but for me, it worked. The absurdity grounded the horror in a broader reality and added texture to the post-apocalyptic world.
The film’s most controversial and emotional moment comes when Isla helps deliver a baby from an infected woman. Some in my group felt pulled out of the story, but I found it incredibly moving. It wasn’t about the virus – it was about maternal instinct, the animalistic nature of motherhood, and sacrifice. The baby, born uninfected, becomes a symbol of hope in a crumbling world.
Eventually, they reach the eccentric Dr. Kelson (Ralph Fiennes), who’s more artist than medic. He’s built a bone monument from the dead – his version of a “memento mori” – and ultimately diagnoses Isla with terminal cancer. His solution is peaceful euthanasia. Isla walks into his shrine (or bone temple…), and I was in tears. Jodie Comer’s performance is heartbreakingly raw, capturing the quiet strength of a mother who knows her time has come.
A Bittersweet Ending
The final act cements this as a coming-of-age story in disguise. Spike returns to the island only to deliver the baby, now named Isla, with a letter explaining that he must stay on the mainland. His transformation from boy to survivor is complete.
But just when things feel settled, the film hits us with one last twist: a gang of “Jimmy’s” appears – a cult teased from the beginning. Their arrival sets the stage for the next installment. Whether they’re saviors or villains remains to be seen.
Final Thoughts
28 Years Later isn’t perfect. There are plot holes. The tone shifts between heartfelt drama, horror, and oddball comedy. But despite all that, I walked away feeling something. The cinematography is kinetic and immersive – blending handheld urgency with the eerie beauty of a dying world. The emotional beats land. The humor is earned. And the horror hits hard.
This reminded me of A Quiet Place: Day One in the best way. It’s not just about monsters. It’s about people. And that matters.
Rating: 4/5 stars. Follow me on Letterboxd.
A summer blockbuster worth seeing with friends. Go after a day in the sun, after a baseball game or a swim. Make a night of it. Even if you don’t love the film, I think the big-screen experience justifies the ticket.