Directed by: Danny Boyle

Written by: Alex Garland

Cast: Jodie Comer, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Alfie Williams, Ralph Fiennes

How do you describe 28 Years Later to the average filmgoer? If you’re not an average filmgoer and you truly enjoy learning, studying, and seeing the craft of filmmaking, then it’s not necessarily too difficult to describe 28 Years Later. However, I think the average individual will walk out of this film with MANY different thoughts, feelings, and opinions. I’m not trying to say 28 Years Later is something only for the “film bros,” but it is a bit of tonal whiplash, especially by the end. I think that’s what makes 28 Years Later so special and unique. Danny Boyle and Alex Garland did not set out to make a “safe” sequel, but rather something entirely for themselves—something they wanted to craft. Yes, 28 Years Later is critically hailed, but I truly think over the years—especially if the next two entries land as well as this one—this film will be bolstered onto a high pedestal year after year, much like the very first entry has been.

I must say, there must’ve been something in the water on set for the actors because everyone gives it their all. Alfie Williams, who plays the young 12-year-old lead named Spike, has a massive career ahead of him. It’s incredible to see his demeanor and courage grow throughout. Unsurprisingly, Jodie Comer acts her ass off in her role, as the story eventually starts to unfold with her becoming the focal point. Ralph Fiennes—I mean, what is there to say? He’s one of the best and plays a fairly interesting character. Aaron Taylor-Johnson has proven himself to be an accomplished actor, and while I don’t find his character to stand out particularly, he remains a very interesting piece of the puzzle, which I hope we see more of.

My main gripes with this film are more geared toward the second half, which seems to be a somewhat common discussion I’ve seen brought up by others. I don’t dislike it by any means, but it takes a big swing and sets the viewer on a different track. The first half is pretty straightforward and is a very well-constructed setup for the boy and what’s to come. The second half does not necessarily feel like the first half, at least in tone. There are big swings taken with ambitious ideas and true confidence in the material, and it mostly works, just not as strongly in my eyes upon first viewing.

One point—which I suppose is in line with everything mentioned up to this point, but totally made me laugh—is Isla and Spike finding out she has cancer and will die soon. Isla and Dr. Kelson agree to drug Spike so Isla can die peacefully. Don’t get me wrong—it’s the best death to have in this world—but then Dr. Kelson hands Spike his mom’s skull soon afterward for him to place at the temple. Just the idea that Dr. Kelson peacefully killed Isla, chopped her head off, put her head in the oven to melt the skin off, and then handed it to her son an hour or so later… maybe it was just me, but that was hilarious.

28 Years Later is very strong and great, though. I really enjoyed this film. One of the best sequences of the year for me is Jamie and Spike being chased by the Alpha back to the island as the tide is ankle-deep. Absolutely beautifully crafted, with each shot beyond intense for every second that passed.

I’ve been curious as to what the 20-camera rig setup was going to be used for, as there has been a behind-the-scenes image showing it off for a few weeks now. It’s pretty cool. Utilizing the field of view they had and the quick editing to stitch together kills of the infected really added massive weight to each arrow that zipped through the air to its target. It made the shots Spike took feel so much more impactful as he got his first kills, and Jamie’s feel so experienced as he nailed each shot, even in panic.

I found 28 Years Later to be quite good and not what I was expecting. It makes me so eager to revisit it while adding to my excitement for the next two films in the franchise. Although I don’t find it to be on the same level as 28 Days Later, it is certainly a worthwhile watch.