28 Years Later marks the long-awaited return to the world first introduced in 28 Days Later (2002), a film that helped redefine zombie horror for modern audiences.
Now, more than two decades later, director Danny Boyle and writer Alex Garland reunite to deliver a tense, emotional, and visually powerful new chapter in the story of the deadly Rage virus.
The film is set in a post-apocalyptic Britain, where a new generation has grown up knowing only survival.
One of them is 12-year-old Spike (Alfie Williams), who lives with his family on Holy Island; a remote, self-sufficient community cut off from the infected mainland. When his mother’s health deteriorates, Spike makes a brave and risky decision to leave the safety of his home and cross into the dangerous mainland in search of help.
What follows is a mix of horror and heartbreak.
The movie merges coming-of-age moments with intense survival scenes, and explores themes of love, loss, and what it means to grow up in a broken world. The tension builds steadily from the very first scene, and rarely lets go.
Danny Boyle’s direction blends brutal, haunting imagery with emotional moments of grief, betrayal, and hope. Alex Garland’s script adds depth to the horror by asking important questions about family, sacrifice, and death.
A key line in the film comes from Dr Kelson, a mysterious character played by Ralph Fiennes, who reminds Spike: “Memento mori… remember, humans die.” It’s an important message that surfaces throughout the film.
Alfie Williams gives a strong performance as Spike. He excellently carries both the crude fear and quiet courage of a young boy. Aaron Taylor-Johnson is convincing as his father Jamie, a man whose mistakes threaten to tear his family apart. Ralph Fiennes adds a haunting presence as Dr Kelson, whose unassuming charm, powerful words, and strange rituals make him easily one of the most memorable characters in the story.
The film keeps a steady pace, with still moments giving just enough room to breathe before the next wave of danger hits. While some viewers might wonder why key characters like Jimmy appear only near the end, it’s clear this is part one of a two-part finale. The second half is due for release in January 2026.
Whether or not you’ve seen the earlier films, 28 Years Later is worth watching. It’s not just about the “infected”…it’s about people, pain, and the choices we make when everything else falls apart.
28 Years Later is a strong first step toward the saga’s final chapter, and it will leave you on edge, craving what’s to come.
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Rated: MA15+
Run time: 115 minutes
Distributor: Sony Pictures
In cinemas: June 20
