The Rage Returns: 28 Years Later Roars to Life

Now in theaters, you can enjoy the next installment of the Zombie horror franchise “28 Years Later.” A continuation of the movie “28 Days Later, Danny Boyle's direction pays homage to the plot points while bringing fresh life to the franchise.

Set 28 years after the initial rage virus outbreak, a group of islanders live under a strict quarantine to keep everyone safe. Their small quarantine island is connected to the mainland through a highly defended causeway. 

The film opens with Jamie (Aaron-Taylor Johnson) attempting to induct his teenage son Spike (Alfie Williams) into manhood by taking him to the mainland to get his first kill. Although the idea terrifies Spike’s mother, Isla (Jodie Comer), Jamie persists as the trip will help bond him with Spike.

Upon their arrival on the mainland, they hunt down zombies, but they are quickly sent into a panic when they begin to encounter hordes. The movie sheds light on the decades of mutations and how they affected the infected, with “slow-low” zombies who crawl on the ground and “alphas” who are taller and stronger. 

Boyle brilliantly showcases the new monsters, ensuring new combat sequences for returning viewers.

The two make it home, but after learning there’s a doctor on the mainland, Spike ventures back, taking his mother to get the proper care she needs for her terminal illness.

Boyle effectively explores numerous themes through the film's dynamic shifts in plot and storyline. In particular, the themes of family and self-discovery shine. The theme of family is integral to the story as we see Spike venture out with both parents, allowing Boyle to further examine the different dynamics in the relationships. The film also revolves around Spike’s moral awakening as he breaks away from his father’s toxic masculinity to stand on his own.

Anthony Dod Mantle does a spectacular job using the iPhone 15 Pro Max (enhanced with cinematic lens adapters) as the film’s principal camera, allowing for nimble, agile filming in the many tight spaces and remote locations in the movie. Mantle also utilized custom rigs of 8-20 iPhones to create a dramatic bullet-time effect during key moments throughout the movie, especially when characters were shooting at zombies. 

These unique elements, paired with the natural beauty of locations such as the North East of England, Northumberland, and Yorkshire, allowed for a beautiful contrast to the gory combat scenes riddled throughout the movie.

With the scene set for a trilogy, fans of the franchise now have something to look forward to after nearly two decades of waiting, with the next film slated to come out in January, featuring old stars from the series. 

Whether you’ve been following the series or are just finding out about it, there is plenty to look forward to with the way Boyles left things off. The movie is great for fans of horror, especially those who enjoy a mix of psychological tension and action-packed storytelling. “28 Years Later is also a must-watch for viewers who appreciate post-apocalyptic themes and a direction that isn’t afraid to push the genre forward. 

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