28 Years Later - Review

Memento Mori.

Review written by Jack Aling

28 Years Later is directed by Danny Boyle and written by Alex Garland.

Starring Alfie Williams, Jodie Comer, Aaron Taylor-Johnson & Ralph Fiennes.

Twenty-eight years since the rage virus escaped a biological weapons laboratory, now, still in a ruthlessly enforced quarantine, some have found ways to exist amidst the infected. One such group lives on a small island connected to the mainland by a single causeway. 

Continuing and expanding a fascinating film series, 28 Years Later sends audiences into the future of a quarantined Britain where the infected have laid waste to life as we once knew it.

Danny Boyle and Alex Garland create a touching family story about grief and survival that just happens to take place during a rageful apocalypse. There are some bold choices throughout the film, but I was not expecting to be so moved, especially given the film's horror-focused marketing. Without delving into spoiler territory, it goes in a devastatingly brave direction that proves that there is much more to this 'zombie' series than meets the eye.

Alfie Williams is incredible in his debut, carrying the film's themes with ease, standing tall amongst a supporting crowd of some of Britain's best. Stylistically, this film is absolutely insane and Boyle proves that he still has it, creating some of the year's best shots and sequences from an iPhone.

I am locked in for where the series is heading next, with the film's already infamous ending teasing a confounding direction for the sequels. We need more films like 28 Years Later. Films that aren't afraid to push the boundaries visually and narratively on the biggest stage possible.

Our verdict: 4 out of 5 stars.

28 Years Later arrives in UK Cinemas June 19th 2025

Read more of Jack's reviews at: letterboxd.com/TheJackAling