28 Years Later review: Danny Boyle proves third times a charm in this zombie follow-up
When '28 Days Later' came out in 2002, it shocked everyone about how someone could paint such a brutal canvas of what would happen if zombies took over the world. At that time, the zombie-horror genre was new, and Danny Boyle's film immediately catapulted in a direction that ushered in more filmmakers to explore this landscape.A follow-up to the massive success of '28 Days Later' was the 2007 film '28 Weeks Later'. A tad bit milder and not so effective as the prequel, the film felt like it was an exercise to draw ticket sales more than appeal to its loyal audience. But the wait for the third chapter is worthwhile as director Danny Boyle and writer Alex Garland bring us the tightest possible film in the franchise.This time around, the story revolves around a family, where Jamie (played by Aaron Taylor-Johnson), his wife Isla (played by Jodie Comer), and their son Spike (played by Alife Williams) live on a remote island away from the virus that exterminated the population. As simple as it might sound, things change and take turns for the worse when Jamie realises that he needs to go to the mainland to find a cure for his ailing wife.advertisementAre there more survivors ? How are the living inhabitants on the mainland able to ward off the zombies and the virus ? There are many questions and subplots that make the film absolutely intriguing.
Watch the trailer for the film here: In a post-Covid world, a setting of this nature where a father and a husband try to find a cure for his ailing wife might feel eerily similar. A lot has changed in the world since the time of '28 Days Later' and the makers are aware of this. The second half especially is where we get to watch Boyle's brilliance.He doesn't approach horror as a straight linear genre but adds several subplots and elements to make it more difficult for the viewer to predict what's happening next. Visually it's on par with the first film. Despite the availability of CGI and VFX, Boyle creates more tension and fear in the scenes stripped of the technical wizardry.The performances are excellent, especially Johnson and Comer, who are both so good in the film. Ralph Fiennes pops up in the middle of the film, giving an iconic performance that picks pace and infuses some energy in the plot. Anthony Dod Mantle, the visionary behind the film's striking close-ups, reunites with Danny Boyle after their first collaboration. Together, they are in top form, delivering some truly spectacular and visually arresting moments.The only big grouse with the film is that it gets too caught up in its own premise at multiple junctures. Rather than keeping the ball rolling, it stops, pauses and tries to intellectualise certain sequences to no avail. While the zombie genre has been explored in both cinema and television tirelessly over the years, '28 Years Later' still feels fresh and exciting.If you enjoyed '28 Days Later' and wondered why we didn't get something as spectacular as the first film, then your wait is over. '28 Years Later' is a good time at the cinemas, and you won't regret it.4 out of 5 stars to '28 Years Later'
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
3 hours ago
- Time of India
The Great Indian Kapil Show 3: Kapil Sharma teases Archana Puran Singh was nervous about Navjot Singh Sidhu's return; says ‘She even consulted an astrologer'
The Great Indian Kapil Show made a grand comeback with its third season, premiering last night with a fun-filled episode. The laughter-packed debut featured Bollywood superstar Salman Khan 's first appearance on the show, along with the much-awaited return of Navjot Singh Sidhu as a judge, joining Archana Puran Singh . Kapil kicked off the episode by greeting the audience and Sidhu, teasing that the platform had to spend a lot of money to bring him back. Kapil Sharma playfully asked Navjot Singh Sidhu about joining forces with Archana Puran Singh and his return to The Great Indian Kapil Show. In response, Sidhu shared a shayari, saying that Dehradun could never come between the charm of two people from Amritsar. Kapil continued the banter by joking that Archana had been anxious ever since she heard about Sidhu's return and even consulted astrologers about it. He says, "Jyotish ko jaake kehti hai, Rahu aur ketu ko toh main sambhal lungi ye Sidhu ka koi upay batao. .(I can handle Rahu and Ketu, but what do I do with Sidhu?). This had everyone bursting into laughter. Kapil then added to the fun by joking that the astrologer Archana consulted was none other than Akash Chopra, who changed his profession out of fear of Sidhu's commentary. He further says that Sidhu had no problems sharing the judges chair with Archana. Kapil says, "Sidhu ji said look, I do commentary with someone even during matches, I can handle it sitting next to someone here too. of course, it's a whole other thing that he never lets anyone else talk." Kapil doesn't stop and cracks a hilarious joke about how in one of the recent matches he did not allow Harbhajan Singh to speak during cricket commentary and kept talking. The ace comedian expresses his happiness about Navjot Singh Sidhu's return on the show. However, he jokes that because of him they ended up taking a long break of six months. Sidhu gives a hilarious comeback, "Good thing it took only six months, imagine what you'd have done if it took nine months." Kapil doesn't leave the chance and takes a dig at Sidhu and says, "Main toh phir break mein mere bacche hue, jab corona hua, aap toh chalte matchon mein kar gaye, dekho aap." (For the record, I had my kids during COVID, when the world was on a break. You had yours while the cricket matches were still going on). Navjot Singh Sidhu Reveals How He Helped Kapil Sharma Get His Show | Returns to Kapil Show
News18
4 hours ago
- News18
7 Times Sobhita Dhulipala Gave Us Style Goals Without Even Trying
Here are some pure doses of inspiration from Sobhita Dhulipala's latest styling. Sobhita Dhulipala, who has already showcased her versatility in acting many times, keeps impressing millions of her fans with her impeccable fashion sense. From effortlessly combining the light hues of her ensemble with statement accessories to experimenting with her boss lady charm, the actress has often showcased how to etch a place in the fashion columns with simplicity and elegance. Over time, Sobhita Dhulipala has turned into a beauty queen, inspiring many others with her timeless personal style. Here, we have curated a list of style cues that she has served exuding simplicity alongside a touch of contemporary charm. Sobhita Dhulipala's style is a perfect blend of contemporary fashion with a personal touch. The News18 Lifestyle section brings you the latest on health, fashion, travel, food, and culture — with wellness tips, celebrity style, travel inspiration, and recipes. Also Download the News18 App to stay updated! First Published: June 22, 2025, 11:30 IST Latest News World Leaders React To US Strikes On Iran: Israel Praises, UN Calls For De-Escalation, Diplomacy World Agency feeds Labourer dies, another critical after electrocution in MP Agency feeds UP: 50-year-old woman killed in head-on collision between two motorcycles World On Camera, Moment When Iranian Missile Struck Tel Aviv As Tensions Escalate In West Asia Hollywood Danny Boyle Recalls Filming Naked Zombies In 28 Years Later: 'Had To Make Everybody Prosthetic Genitals' latest news
News18
5 hours ago
- News18
Pixar's Elio Set For Worst-Ever Domestic Debut With $9 Million At Box Office
Last Updated: Elio, Disney's animated film, is set for Pixar's lowest opening ever, earning $9 million from 3,750 locations, trailing Elemental's $29 million. Pixar's latest original, Elio, is on track to post the lowest opening weekend in the studio's history. According to Variety, the space-themed family adventure pulled in just $9 million from Friday and preview screenings across 3,750 locations. That's far below the $29 million debut of Elemental last year. At a $150 million production budget, Elio is now expected to finish its first weekend in third place domestically, with a modest $20–22 million range, as reported by The Hollywood Reporter. In contrast, Universal's How to Train Your Dragon live-action adaptation continues to dominate, looking at another strong weekend with roughly $35.7 million in its second run. Meanwhile, Danny Boyle's 28 Years Later topped Friday's box office charts with $14 million — including $5.8 million from Thursday previews — and is now projected to launch in the $30–31 million ballpark. Directed by Madeline Sharafian, Domee Shi, and Adrian Molina, Elio follows an 11-year-old boy who suddenly finds himself traveling through space and befriending aliens. As he explores strange planets, meets unusual lifeforms, and faces a cosmic crisis, Elio must discover what it truly means to belong and who he is meant to become. The voice cast includes Yonas Kibreab (Elio), Zoe Saldana, Remy Edgerly (as Glordon), Brandon Moon, Brad Garrett, and Jameela Jamil. Despite an 'A" grade from CinemaScore and solid critical reviews, Disney insiders have trimmed expectations to a $20–25 million opening. Here's the trailer: Last year's Elemental surprised critics and audiences alike, grossing some $500 million worldwide. Disney and Pixar are now banking on Elio to turn the tide this summer. First Published: June 22, 2025, 10:33 IST
