Danny Boyle’s 28 Days Later was a ground-breaking post-apocalyptic horror that helped change the face of zombie movies. With its mind-boggling opening sequence (the deserted London) and creatures that seem to be world-class sprinters, this was one of the finest horrors of modern cinema. After the stand-alone sequel, Boyle and screenwriter Alex Garland are back to bring us the first of a proposed three-part series, kicking off with 28 Years Later, and this is more than just another zombie horror but a commentary on where Britain stands at the moment. It’s also an intense continuation that is pure cinema.

Britain has been cut off from the rest of the world after the outbreak of the rage virus. On a remote island, a handful of survivors go through life away from the chaos of the mainland. Young Spike lives with his ailing mother and his father, who wants him to be a man, taking him onto the mainland to kill the infected. While there, Spike discovers a doctor living alone who could help with his mother’s ill health, but the risks of taking her to see him are incredibly high.

Boyle and Garland’s film is a perfect extension to the original 2002 film. We know that the virus can turn the ordinary into flesh-eating monsters and that they can run fast, making escape almost impossible. Yet these creatures have evolved over the years and have become virtually organised, so the dangers of entering their territories are even more perilous. By focusing on the community that has managed to escape the virus and who only have a watery pathway that becomes invisible during high tide, it means that there are times when humans must make that journey to seek food and train the young to be able to kill.

This film is split into two halves: the first focusing on Spike’s initial journey with his proud father, who wants him to become the protector. The second is Spike’s decision to track down the infamous Dr Kelson, a man who has managed to live among the infected and collects their bones once killed, so that Spike’s mother can be appropriately diagnosed.

This is where Boyle and Garland use the film to comment on what has happened to Britain since the first film. Even though they don’t go out of their way to make things obvious, you can read into everything from Brexit to the border patrol to assisted suicide. These messages are there to see if you really look for them, but at the same time, they have produced a nail-biting horror that genuinely is creepy, thanks to some superb use of the filmmaking process, including shots taken on an iPhone.

As with all good horrors, the tension builds nicely and doesn’t need to rush; instead, it allows us time to learn more about the characters, so we care about what happens to them. Watching this world of survivors faced with the everyday threat of invasion to their island, and a father who needs his son to become a man way before his time, while the boy fears for his mother, just makes the moments when they are faced with the infected even more intense.

The performances from an excellent cast are terrific. Aaron Taylor-Johnson is perfect as the father, while Jodie Comer delivers another outstanding performance as the mother, whose illness alters her personality. Ralph Fiennes seems to be having a blast as the mysterious Dr Kelson. As Spike, it is young Alfie Williams who carries the film, and he does it with an air of control, considering he is playing opposite some big hitters. He is the one with whom we emote the most.

28 Years Later is a gripping horror film crafted by a master filmmaker who knows how to heighten the terror and coax the best from his actors. Many have been left bemused by the ending, but to remind you, this is the first part of a trilogy, with the second part set to hit our screens sometime early next year. May I also remind you that this may be a 15 certificate, but if you are not a fan of gore, you may find it hard to watch.

4 out of 5

Director: Danny Boyle

Starring: Jodie Comer, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Ralph Fiennes, Alfie Williams, Jack O’Connell, Christopher Fulford, Stella Gonet, Amy Cameron, Geoffrey Austin Newland

Written by: Alex Garland

Running Time: 115 mins

Cert: 15

Release date: 20th June 2025