"28 Years Later": A Grim Reflection on Society
Danny Boyle’s 2002 film "28 Days Later" was ahead of its time in exploring two major themes: global pandemics and fast-moving zombies. Featuring Cillian Murphy in his breakout role, the film delved into how quickly society could unravel in the face of disaster.
While Boyle often stated that his undead characters were not traditional zombies but the "infected," the film’s narrative about a rage virus tearing through London forced viewers to confront the fragility of civilization. Its sequel, "28 Weeks Later," continued this story with hopes of overcoming the outbreak quickly dashed.
Now, Boyle and screenwriter Alex Garland have returned with "28 Years Later," a third installment that reflects our lived experiences during a real pandemic. Surprisingly, recent events play a minimal role in this unique narrative, which opts for a more chaotic storytelling style.
Unlike other franchises that tend to escalate their scale, "28 Years Later" stays rooted in the U.K. Here, Britain becomes a quarantine zone, with survivors hiding on an isolated island, linked to the mainland only by a causeway that disappears at high tide.
Using modern tools like iPhones for filming, Boyle continues to create a frenetic visual style. Yet, this latest film can feel disjointed and chaotic, presenting a rough ride for viewers. However, even with its flaws, "28 Years Later" resists the tendency to conform to typical blockbuster formats.
The backdrop here isn’t just a pandemic—it’s also a commentary on Brexit. With Britain cut off from mainland Europe, the story depicts a society trying to survive against both infected creatures and the challenges of isolation.
The film introduces us to young Spike, played by newcomer Alfie Williams, who navigates life on the island with his father, Jamie (Aaron Taylor-Johnson), and sick mother, Isla (Jodie Comer). Their existence resembles a medieval settlement, complete with makeshift weapons and watchtowers. Jamie tries to instill survival skills in Spike, but as the story unfolds, the boy begins to question the harsh masculinity surrounding him.
Spike’s journey to find a rumored doctor, portrayed by Ralph Fiennes, leads to enlightening encounters and personal growth. As he understands the deeper implications of their situation, viewers catch glimpses of humanity amidst the chaos.
Amidst the violence and horror, "28 Years Later" does more than entertain; it offers insights on mortality and the illusion of societal superiority. While it may not follow the typical path of conventional films, it carries a complexity often missing in mainstream cinema today.
With planned sequels already in the works, Boyle shows no signs of abandoning this exploration into the human condition. "28 Years Later" stands as a brave attempt to unpack issues that resonate with our current realities, reminding us that even in the darkest times, storytelling can provide a powerful lens for reflection.
This release has a rating of R for strong bloody violence, graphic nudity, and language. Running time: 115 minutes. Two stars out of four.
