‘Nearly three decades after the Rage virus outbreak, the film 28 Years Later (2025) shows a post-apocalyptic society that inevitably forms as a result of the virus. In this sequel to the original film, 28 Days Later (2003), Danny Boyle, alongside original writer Alex Garland, returns with more gore and even more emotion. The sequel stays true to the directorial elements of the first film, with tilted shots and digital zooms, but it also introduces more effective techniques in the film’s editing that invoke stronger emotions of fear, disorientation, and relational drama. While Boyle and Garland attempt to pay homage to the elements that made the original film unique, they successfully maintain the sequel’s individuality. They expand on the world after the Rage virus by focusing on a secluded society in the Scottish Isles. This society has closed itself off from the infected and has adapted to survival with no communication to the mainland. Despite being set in modern times, Boyle and Garland make it clear that this particular community has reverted to primitive tools like bows and arrows. This choice effectively establishes the results of the outbreak, where entire civilizations have regressed in resources. While this gives a different perspective than the first film, viewers are sure to see parallels in suspense and thrill.

Aaron Taylor-Johnson in ’28 Years Later’

From Aaron Taylor-Johnson’s attempt at a Scottish accent to Jodie Comer’s emotionally charged ending performance, it is without justice to recognize the true main character of the film: Alfie Williams. Williams is a young, new actor with 28 Years Later being his first (excuse the pun) breakout role. He portrays the perfect mix of naivety and bravery as his character Spike navigates the infected world he has come to know. Being alongside significant names such as Ralph Fiennes and Aaron Taylor-Johnson, the innocence of his performance is highlighted. His character acts as the emotional catalyst for the film. Williams drives the drama of the film, while the action and thrill is rooted in technical elements such as makeup, setting, and editing.

28 Years Later is a viscerally more disturbing film than its original counterpart in terms of gore. Maybe it’s because movie technology has evolved in the past 20 years, or maybe the Rage virus has evolved to make the infected much stronger. Nonetheless, this sequel contains elements of body horror accompanied by jagged cut scenes that emphasize the chaos and brutality of the outbreak. The makeup effects for the infected are much more realistic than of the original. With actual high-quality close-up shots of the infected’s features, Boyle relies on the grotesque makeup choices to make the audience’s skin crawl.

3 out of 5 stars.

Overall, the sequel, 28 Years Later, is an accurately curated continuation of Boyle’s world post-Rage virus. It incorporates a much more dramatic, family-based storyline that offers relatability for the audience, yet also confines their world to the horror of the infected. Boyle and Garland share a completely new perspective on the story by setting the film decades after the original.