Take 21: 28 Years Later

The film 28 Years Later starts as a post apocalyptic horror movie about a group of survivors for the rage virus of the previous two movies, have found refuge on a small island, removed for the outside world. When a young member of this society, Spike, (Alfie Williams) goes on a mission to the mainland, he encounters zombies, both regular and deluxe (alphas), secrets, other survivors, and a lot more.

Thus far, every 28 has been totally different from the first. This on in no different. This movie was A LOT. I was a little confused by the opening- the timing seemed off with the them of 28 years at first, but by the end, it wall came to get her and make a long of sense. But in the meantime, the story we get was extremely well-done and and not the usually fare for a a move his this genre. It starts right around the time of 28 Weeks later with kids watching Teletubbies, then it becomes a coming of age story, and then a deeper, moving story about family- the bond between mother and son is unparalleled and handled masterfully. So much to like here.

In the years since the original films, some of the infected have evolved and it shows. Some of the zombies were downright frightening, but in a different way. In the past, their speed and the animalistic sound cues were unerving. Since we’ve gotten used to them, the stakes have been upped and adding a bit of cunning and intellect in the form of the “Alphas” took them to an entire new level of terror.

The cast is great. I mean that Alfie Williams—-Wow. I usually don’t really even notice kid actors, but there was a point where I actually had to stop and take in just how good he was. He was extremely likable and I knew he was going to be put through it for the next one hundred minutes or so. He really did have to portray a wide range of emotions and nailed it. Aaron Taylor-Johnson has become quite the go-to guy and is really good in the first third of the movie. Shout out to Ralph Fiennes who comes in later in the film and delivers a really cool character that broke the mold of what you’d expect in a “horror movie”.

This movie was a complete surprise. There were moments of suspense, anxiety, and heart. I am very curious to see where 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple goes because this one really did its job and left me wanting more. My score: 9.5— nah, I’m going all in. I’m giving it a 10.

Now, don’t take 28 years to respond. Tell me what you thought in the commons. And until next time, sleep tight and quietly and don’t leave the lights on…