Legacy sequels are a mixed bag. These can either be fresh takes on familiar properties (see Creed, Bladerunner: 2049, Mad Max: Fury Road) or cynical nostalgia bate (see any Ghostbusters movie made in the past 15 years). Therefore, I was somewhat apprehensive when I first saw the (admittedly very good) trailer for a continuation of 28 Days Later. The original film not only served as the star vehicle for Cillian Murphy, but popularised zombies for decades to come (particularly ones that could run).
28 Years Later sees the return of Danny Boyle and Alex Garland, the same Director/Writer duo behind the first movie. Garland and Boyle have recaptured the original film’s spirit, but without trying to copy its aesthetics and techniques. This was a clever choice, as a film shot on handheld cameras in 2025 would not be quite as impactful as it was in 2002 (especially after two decades of “found footage” horror). Instead, the feature utilises smartphone cameras in order to achieve a similar “grounded” feeling as the original. It makes the setting seem intimate and familiar, despite its post-apocalyptic world and surreal imagery. It is impressive how good the English countryside looks, especially when you consider it was filmed on iPhones. The picture also has a very “show don’t tell” attitude to its world. The first act establishes the main character’s home and shows us the island community’s World War II / blitz era attitude, through environmental storytelling and some creative editing decisions. Spike’s journey across post-apocalyptic England is interspersed with World War I and II propaganda footage, as well as clips from Lawrence Olivier’s Henry V. Decisions like this tell us a lot about characters and their environment without the need for the dreaded exposition dump; where two people discuss things both should already know.
The cast most definitely deserve a mention. Ralph Fiennes, Jodie Comer and Aaron Taylor-Johnson bring first class performances to their respective roles. It is Alfie Williams however who shines as protagonist, Spike. Child actors can be hit or miss, but Williams is able to hold his own among his A-list co-stars. The soundtrack also deserves a shout out, not only for enhancing the viewing experience as a whole, but also because it was written by award winning Edinburgh hip-hop trio Young Fathers. The score is so good I have found myself listening to it repeatedly since watching the movie.
Now, this film may be off-putting to some and that is understandable. Its editing choices can seem weird at first, it expands on the lore of the original in some ways people may not like, and its ending has to be one of the strangest I have seen in a while (albeit in a good way). However, if like me, you have grown weary of mediocre legacy sequels, 28 Years Later may just be the antidote.
“Aaron Taylor-Johnson” by JiBs. is licensed under CC BY 2.0.
