The Wasteland Reviewer

28 Years Later (2025) Written Review

What can happen to society after 28 years of a zombie outbreak? The initial effects are terrifying with plenty of chaos and horror. When you have a zombie outbreak from a virus, the evolution of said virus can have wild and unexpected consequences and effects. The world you knew pre-outbreak will have long gone with whole generations born post-outbreak who know nothing of the original way of life. There are so many possibilities to explore in such a scenario. That is what made the idea of Danny Boyle and Alex Garland reteaming for the third film in the zombie franchise so tantalizing. We have waited a long time…but 28 Years Later is finally here. 

Does Boyle deliver an unnerving cinematic experience that matches the original 28 Days Later? The visual experience of this film is something special. The uncomfortably intimate shots, impressive wide-angle shots, and frenetic energy make this film feel so engrossing and intense. The grainy feel of the film makes it feel just like the original film which always felt so gritty and brutal. There is a special vibe that is Boyle’s trademark, and he brings it here. The lighting is used so well to deliver such evocative visuals that elicit so much feeling from the audience. There are so many memorable and dynamic shots in this film. Slow motion elements, intense camera movements, impactful editing, and unnerving soundscapes make 28 Years Later one of the most original cinematic experiences of the year. There is a great balance of brutal and vicious zombie action and deeper, more dramatic human elements. There are endless vibes all around. This two-hour film keeps you locked in whether the film delivers intense horror elements or rich human drama. 

Does Garland’s screenplay deliver on the same level as Boyle’s directing? Garland came to play for sure. First off, the opening sequence is such a great reintroduction into this zombie outbreak and a subtle drop of foreshadowing and set-up for future story elements. But world-building just might be Garland’s greatest strength with this script. The way this isolated community has come together and the overall global response to this outbreak in the UK provides foundation for the character elements to come. The evolution of the infected is also compelling as Garland introduces the terrifying idea of Alphas (and their enormous bodies…including genitalia) who are the most dangerous, unstoppable predators in the dense forest. There are some other elements that are quite shocking and leave the door open for some fascinating developments in the rest of this planned trilogy of films. There are some great thematic elements at play with our main protagonist (Spike) as well. This is a coming-of-age story stuck in a horrific zombie outbreak. The film has a two-part structure with each one focusing on a different parent of Spike and how they shape who he is (or who he isn’t). The first half is a thrill ride that sees Spike being trained by his father in the dangerous forest of the mainland. Garland delivers efficient world-building with plenty of horrifying set-ups. The second half sees Spike take his mother into this dangerous landscape that leads to them finding some compelling characters who add so much thematically (including Ralph Fiennes’ isolated character). Each element of this film is so consistently effective…up until the final scene. Garland being Garland as he delivers a polarizing and wild finale that set-ups some compelling twists for the next film…but with some wild choices that might leave the audience excited or confused (or both). 

Does the cast deliver as well with this compelling world crafted by Boyle and Garland? The real breakout star of this film will be Alfie Williams. His turn as Spike is a revelation. He is a young man who delivers a level of maturity which is admirable. The experience of seeing Williams’ craft Spike into such a compelling character with plenty of nuance and emotion is quite impressive. The growth that Spike experiences is compelling and makes for the anchor to the whole film. The two actors portraying Spike’s parents are electric and bring the depth needed and chemistry with Williams to tie this together. Aaron Taylor-Johnson is intense, electric, and charismatic as the deeply flawed father to Spike. Taylor-Johnson’s Jamie is encouraging with the hunting skills that Spike needs to learn and shows himself to be someone that neither understands his son nor gives his son the truth of the world around him. Taylor-Johnson delivers quite a few intense and compelling moments. Jodie Comer is a real standout as Isla, the sick and demented mother of Spike. The raw energy and presence that Comer brings is on point and makes Isla such a compelling and empathetic element to the film. Fiennes might be in the film in a limited fashion, but his presence has so much depth, intrigue, and soul. His presence delivers such a compelling and refreshing perspective on death that challenges the more simplistic approach to fear in many lesser zombie film. Then there is Jack O’Connell. He stole every scene he could in Sinners and now he turns this franchise upside down with his character work and just a few minutes of screen time. The thought of what the sequel can bring is so intriguing. 

Was 28 Years Later worth the wait? Boyle and Garland are back and breathe plenty of life into this long dormant franchise. The world-building is impressive with Garland doing so much to fill out the film with thematic and character work. The performances are impressive as well with the cast delivering plenty of depth to this interesting crew of characters. The filmmaking is bold, ambitious, and one of the most singular visions on the big screen. Bring on The Bone Temple.