
28 Years Later Rotten Tomatoes score is almost perfect as film sets new record
28 Years Later is already gaining widespread praise as the early reviews roll in
Ahead of its cinema release, 28 Years Later is already turning heads and creating a buzz among critics. The third instalment in the 28 Days Later series has debuted with an impressive rating on Rotten Tomatoes - becoming the highest ranked title in the franchise on the film review website.
The unreleased movie has been rated an impressive 96% rating on the critics' score platform. This rating surpasses 2002 original 28 Day Later, starring Cillian Murphy, which holds a Certified Fresh score of 87%. Additionally, the movie had a critics' score of 72% and an audience score of 66%.
While 28 Years Later, directed by Danny Boyle, has yet to receive an audience rating - as it is not officially released in cinemas until June 20 - the initial critic reviews suggest the film will be another worldwide hit with viewers.
The upcoming film is set nearly three decades after the Rage Virus outbreak and follows a group of survivors living on the tidal island of Lindisfarne.
The plot focuses on Jamie, played by Aaron Taylor-Johnson, his pregnant wife Isla, portrayed by Jodie Comer, and their teenage son, Spike.
Speaking to Empire, director Danny Boyle described the community within the film as "a closed and necessarily very tight community".
He continued: "There are very strict defence laws, obviously, to survive that long in what is effectively an ongoing hostile environment. They've created a successful community, as they see it."
But when the family is forced to journey to the mainland, they're reminded that the virus still poses a terrifying threat to them. Ralph Fiennes, who plays Dr Ian Kelson in the film, spoke to IndieWire about the plot, saying: "It centres on a young boy who wants to find a doctor to help his dying mother."
"But of course, around them hiding in forests and hills and woods are the infected," he continued.
Critics are praising the film not only for its thrilling horror elements, but also for its emotion and artistic vision.
Esther Zuckerman, a critic for Bloomberg News, stated: "One of the strangest, most exhilarating blockbusters in recent memory. It's a truly bizarre piece of art that's somehow both grotesque and extremely moving."
Jonathan Sim, of ComingSoon.net, branded the production "exceptional" and a "bleak, depressing drama".
He continued: "It contains elements of the zombie genre with its exceptional action and horror sequences."
Spencer Perry of ComicBook noted: "28 Years Later is not only a wholly captivating blockbuster, but one with layers that will keep us talking until the second movie comes out, which is the only trouble."
Katie Doll, of CBR echoed the excitement, saying: "What easily could've been a cash-grab to capitalise on the zombie renaissance is instead a raw thriller with relatable human emotion at its centre."
28 Years Later will be released in UK cinemas on June 20.
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Daily Mail
an hour ago
- Daily Mail
28 Years Later fans are left shocked over 'weird' Jimmy Savile reference and 'insane' cliffhanger ending
28 Years Later has finally hit screens after years of anticipation and longtime fans of the horror franchise rushed to cinemas to watch the new film. The third instalment has been hailed by critics as 'terrifying and electrifying' after it hit UK screens on Friday, and it stars Ralph Fiennes, Aaron Taylor Johnson and Jodie Comer. With plenty of jump scares and gore, it provides fans with the long-awaited update about the state of the world 28 years after the outbreak that hit the UK in the 2002 original 28 Days Later. However, one unexpected detail has left fans completely baffled as there was a seeming reference to disgraced TV presenter Jimmy Savile. The 'bizarre' ending introduced Jack O Connell's character, cult leader Sir Jimmy Crystal, who appears to have been directly inspired by Jim'll Fix It presenter Savile. Sexual abuse allegations emerged against Savile after his death in 2011, and it is believed he preyed on around 500 victims aged from five to 75 years old over many decades. And the movie appeared to reference the disgraced former BBC star as Sir Jimmy and his cult followers were all dressed up in tracksuits, blonde wigs and jewellery. If the visual parallels weren't enough, all of the characters were also called 'Jimmy' as the cult appeared to have modelled itself off the infamous sexual predator. In the fictional world of 28 Years Later, it is not known whether Savile's crimes would have come to light, given the virus took over the UK in 2002, 10 years before they were uncovered in real life. Viewers were left completely shocked by the 'weird' reference with many taking to social media to share their confusion over the ending, arguing the reference to Savile wasn't necessary. Taking to X, they wrote: 'Just realised that Jack O'Connells character in 28 Years Later could be a nod to Jimmy Savile'; 'Seriously don't get that last minute whatsoever weirdest tone shift ever'; '28 years it really need the Jimmy Savile angle?'; 'Watched 28 years later last night and I can't believe they had a character called Jimmy who dressed exactly like Jimmy Savile'; 'Just seen 28 Years Later. Is 'Jimmy' and gang modelling themselves on Jimmy Savile?!' Not referencing Savile, other fans took to social media to general share their baffled thoughts after the movie jarringly transitioned from an emotional death scene to Sir Jimmy and his clan - before abruptly ending. Comments included: 'I really liked 28 years later!! I think it adds more to the franchise but damn that ending fell flat!'; 'After telling my wife about 28 Years Later I think I've warmed to the ending a little'; 28 Years Later ending got me all like huh?; 'The ending of 28 years later is so stupid, they could never make me hate it'; 'Just watched 28 years later and holy!! Was so good (except for the ending lowkey bonkers)'; 'Watched 28 years later and it was as mostly good but the ending gave me incredibly weird vibes'; 'The ending of 28 Years Later kind of justifies seeing it in theaters, solely to hear the reactions of the audience. Did not see that coming at all, and I honestly kind of loved it, as jarring as it was.' According to Business Insider, director Danny confirmed the rumours that Savile was the inspiration behind Jack's character. 'He's as much to do with pop culture as he is to do with sportswear, to do with cricket, to do with the honors system,' he allegedly told the publication of Savile. With plenty of jump scares and gore, it provides fans with the long-awaited update about the state of the world 28 years after the outbreak that hit the UK in the 2002 original 28 Days Later 'It's all kind of twisting in this partial remembrance, clinging onto things and then recreating them as an image for followers.' The unexpected cliffhanger ending will no doubt be addressed in the upcoming fourth movie, 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple, as Jack is set to return as Sir Jimmy. It is believed that the character will be involved in a plot surrounding selective memory in the upcoming sequel, which is slated to hit screens in January 2026. The fourth movie will look at how different groups try to construct a future based on their memories and 'amnesia' about the past. 'We are living in a time right now which is absolutely dominated by a misremembered past,' Alex added. The first movie of the series, 28 Days Later, followed Jim (Cillian Murphy), who awakes from a coma to discover Britain has been plagued by a terrible pandemic known as the Rage Virus, which turns those affected into murderous zombies. He didn't star in the second instalment 28 Weeks Later and isn't in the third newly-released movie 28 Years Later, Cillian will make a brief appearance in the upcoming fourth instalment. 28 YEARS LATER: THE REVIEWS The Daily Mail (FIVE STARS) Rating: With the terrifying and electrifying 28 Years Later, director Danny Boyle and writer Alex Garland have delivered the best post-apocalyptic horror-thrill I have ever seen. The Times (FIVE STARS) Rating: Jodie Comer is impressive as always in the latest instalment of the post-apocalyptic series The Telegraph (FIVE STARS) Rating: This transfixingly nasty zombie horror sequel, starring Jodie Comer and Ralph Fiennes, is Danny Boyle's best film in 15 years The Evening Standard (FIVE STARS) Rating: Jodie Comer, young Alfie Williams and Ralph Fiennes have a monsters' ball in this supercharged third outing for the 28 Days Later series BBC Culture (FOUR STARS) Rating: Alex Garland and Danny Boyle have reunited for a follow-up to their 2002 classic. It has visual flair, terrifying adversaries and scene-stealing performance from Ralph Fiennes. Empire (FOUR STARS) Rating: The sequel we needed is both the film you expect, and the one you don't. There's blood, but also real guts and brain and heart - visceral cinema soaked in viscera. The Guardian (THREE STARS) This tonally uncertain revival mixes folk horror and little-England satire as an island lad seeks help for his sick mum on the undead-infested mainland. The Independent (THREE STARS)


Metro
2 hours ago
- Metro
Netflix fans devour ‘unrelenting' horror movie as sequel hits cinemas
As the highly anticipated 28 Years Later hits cinemas, fans of the franchise can catch up on the movie that came before. In 2002, Danny Boyle and Alex Garland's post-apocalyptic horror movie 28 Days Later was released. Inspired by George A. Romero's Night of the Living Dead film series and John Wyndham's 1951 novel The Day of the Triffids, it starred Cillian Murphy as a bicycle courier who awakens from a coma to discover that the accidental release of a highly contagious, aggression-inducing virus has caused the breakdown of society. After being made on a budget of $8million (£5.8million), the film was a critical and commercial success, grossing $84.6m (£62m). Five years later, it was followed by the standalone sequel 28 Weeks Later, which starred Robert Carlyle, Rose Byrne, Jeremy Renner, and Idris Elba. Set after the events of the first film, it followed 'the efforts of United States-led NATO forces to establish a safe zone in London, the consequence of two young siblings breaking protocol to find a photograph of their mother, and the resulting reintroduction of the Rage Virus into the safe zone'. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video Like its predecessor, it was also a massive hit, bringing in over $65m (£47m) worldwide. Now, nearly 20 years after that film, the third in the franchise has hit cinemas, and it is already receiving rave reviews, amassing a whopping 92% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Metro's film editor Tori Brazier wrote: 'One of the most triumphant ever revitalisations of a franchise that transcends the idea of mere genre. 28 Years Later is a brutally moving film, and the first horror movie to make me cry… It's also a phenomenal piece of cinema.' But, before then, fans or those who haven't yet had a chance to catch up can watch the sequel, which was released on Netflix this week. When the movie was originally released, it was praised by many. 'A smashing horror film, frightening and thrilling,' The Hollywood Reporter wrote in its review. '28 Weeks Later excels at creating a keen, creepy sense of a civilization stopped dead in its tracks,' Entertainment Weekly wrote. '28 Weeks Later lacks the streamlined thrust of its predecessor but makes for compelling, adrenaline-fueled viewing just the same,' the Los Angeles Times added. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video Soon after this film was released, there were discussions about a third film, but by 2013, Boyle expressed uncertainty about whether it would actually happen. More Trending It wasn't until 2023 that Boyle and Garland confirmed they'd been working on the next follow-up, which was officially announced in January last year. It stars Jodie Comer, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, and Ralph Fiennes. It's been teased of the film: 'Twenty-eight years after the Rage virus escaped a medical research laboratory, survivors have found ways to exist amidst the infected. 'One group lives on a small island connected to the mainland by a single, heavily defended causeway. When a father and his son leave the island on a mission into the dark heart of the mainland, they discover the secrets, wonders and horrors of the outside world.' 28 Weeks Later is streaming on Netflix. Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. MORE: The 'best horror film of 2025' has arrived on Amazon Prime's Shudder MORE: 28 Years Later director reveals 'nightmare' of shooting naked zombie scenes MORE: 10 zombie films to watch after 28 Years Later including 100%-scored 'masterpiece'


Scottish Sun
2 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
Aaron Taylor Johnson fuels rumours he's the next James Bond as he awkwardly swerves question at 28 days later premiere
SHAKEN & STIRRED Aaron Taylor Johnson fuels rumours he's the next James Bond as he awkwardly swerves question at 28 days later premiere Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) AARON Taylor Johnson has fuelled rumours he's the next James Bond after awkwardly swerving the question on the red carpet. The Kick-Ass actor, 35, appeared at the world premiere of 28 Years Later in London on Wednesday. Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter Sign up 6 Aaron Taylor Johnson has swerved a question about his next project Credit: Splash 6 Aaron with wife Sam Taylor-Johnson at the premiere of 28 Years Later Credit: Splash 6 Daniel Craig was the last 007 Credit: Rex When asked by a Deadline reporter: "What are you doing next?" He replied: "I can't talk about it," before being swiftly ushered away by his entourage. The Sun revealed in March that Aarron had been formerly offered the role and James Bond bosses were waiting for his decision. We also first revealed in 2022 that the Marvel actor had emerged as a surprise frontrunner. Aaron made a name for himself in 2010's Kick-Ass. He then landed the role of Quicksilver in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Eon Productions, which makes the spy thriller films, is on course to start shooting this year. A source said: 'Bond is Aaron's job, should he wish to accept it. The formal offer is on the table and they are waiting to hear back. 'As far as Eon is concerned, Aaron is going to sign his contract in the coming days and they can start preparing for the big announcement.' The next Bond movie had been delayed because of last year's Hollywood strikes. James Bond expert drops huge hint about new 007 actor after he starred in movie with huge A-list actress But insiders confirmed a script was now being worked on, with production scheduled to take place at Pinewood Studios in Buckinghamshire. Aaron was in the running for the top job alongside actors including Oscar-winning Cillian Murphy, Idris Elba, Henry Cavill and James Norton. Speculation intensified in May when Aaron signed a deal with luxury watchmaker Omega - the official timepiece brand of the Bond franchise for three decades. Aaron, who is from High Wycombe, Bucks, secretly screen tested for Bond movie supremo Barbara Broccoli at Pinewood Studios in 2022. When asked earlier this year whether he would step into Bond's shoes, Aaron said: 'I find it charming and wonderful that people see me in that role. "I take it as a great compliment.' Bridgerton star Jonathan Bailey was also questioned about the iconic role this week. Jonathan joined Scott Mills on Radio 2 to celebrate the release of the Jurassic World Rebirth film, which stars the actor. And they ended up discussing rumours that Jonathan is a contender to be the next James Bond. Scott said to the star: 'It's an obvious question, but I'm going to be honest with you, it's the one people are asking the most, so I'm going to ask it. Do you, or would you be, James Bond?' Jonathan playfully replied with: 'Scott, how dare you!' to which Scott clarified: 'It's not me, it's the listeners and there are thousands.' The actor managed to somehow sidestep the question, responding: 'I mean, that's an amazingly flattering ask. I could imagine you as James Bond, Scott.' And Scott was quick to pick up on the change of direction, saying: 'Well, swerved, because that's not true. But, I mean, we know you could do it, but you'd want to do it?' Jonathan seemed to be more open to replying, as he said: 'I don't...I am not sure... I don't know. I really, honestly, I mean... it would be hard to say no, but I know that it's going to be exciting whatever they do.' Leaving Scott to reply: 'Thank you for answering that, because it was the most popular question. And I'll be honest, I almost ran away from you a bit like you did with Steven Spielberg, before I asked, but I'm glad I did. Thank you very much.' 6 Aaron and Brad Pitt starred together in 2022's Bullet Train Credit: Rex Features 6 He then landed the role of Quicksilver in the Marvel Cinematic Universe Credit: Rex Features