The original team (director Danny Boyle and writer Alex Garland) that brought forth 28 Days Later, one of the best films to update the zombie genre to creative, frightening levels, has followed it up with 28 Years Later. They have taken the franchise to an intriguing premise with new, horrifying possibilities.
It has been 28 years since the initial outbreak of the infectious rage virus, and the English mainland has been quarantined from the rest of Europe. A tiny island nearby contains a community of survivors who live a rudimentary existence. Jamie (Aaron Taylor-Johnson) takes his son Spike (Alfie Williams) to the mainland in a right of passage. Spike then makes a bold move to take his ill mom (Jodie Comer) to find a doctor rumored to be on the mainland. As the pair struggle to survive, they face the constant threat of infected zombies who have evolved into terrifying forms.
The story updates the original outbreak and its progression in a local setting. Told from Spike’s point of view, it is through his eyes and heart that the film holds an emotional heft- the love of a son for his mother. The film maintains a level of tension and suspense that erupts in startling violence at any moment. At once fascinating and horrific, we also learn some new information about how the infected have evolved after many years.
The
film, beautifully shot, is a contrast
between the gorgeous countryside and graphic death, and although Boyle and
Garland could have explored some
subplots more thoroughly resulting in a stronger film, it is well acted with
a story that keeps the audience involved and guessing to the end that hints
more to come. (There is a sequel coming.)
****
of ***** stars (for fans of the genre)
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