It’s been quite some time since 28 Days Later first hit theaters and turned Cillian Murphy into a legendary figure. That film redefined the modern zombie genre and set the gold standard for zombie movies. Now, after what feels like an apocalypse of waiting, the franchise is pulling us back into the rage-infested ruins of the British mainland with 28 Years Later. And I won’t sugarcoat it, expectations were sky-high for this sequel, given the legacy it carries on its shoulders.
While 28 Years Later manages to deliver some impactful moments, both visually and emotionally, there are significant parts that don’t quite reach the undead brilliance of its predecessor. In this review, we’ll explore where 28 Years Later succeeds, where it falters, and whether this long-awaited sequel was worth the anticipation.
Spoiler Warning:
This review contains some mild spoilers for 28 Years Later.
The Musical Score and BGM of 28 Years Later Were Pure Cinematic Brilliance
Jamie and Spike in 28 Years Later
Image Credit: Sony Pictures (via YouTube/Sony Pictures Entertainment, screenshot by Shashank Shakya/Beebom)
The most striking feature of 28 Years Later is undoubtedly its background score and musical selection. While the storyline has its fluctuations, the BGM stands out as peak cinema. The film doesn’t depend solely on jump scares or gore to create tension; instead, it lets the music carry much of the emotional weight – and it does so exceptionally well. From eerie silences to sharp crescendos, the soundtrack keeps your nerves taut throughout. It’s the kind of score that lingers with you long after the credits roll. You might even hesitate to turn off your lights when you get home.
One particularly memorable moment is the haunting recital of “Boots, Boots, Moving Up and Down Again,” a war poem by Rudyard Kipling, performed in a chilling rhythm by actor Taylor Holmes. Starting slow and hypnotic, it builds into an unsettling crescendo. The cadence, monotony, and escalating tension perfectly align with the onscreen chaos, pulling you deep into the character’s mindset. You don’t just witness the terror; you feel it. Each repetition tightens its grip, making escape and fight sequences feel claustrophobic, intense, and terrifyingly authentic.
If there is one lasting legacy that 28 Years Later is likely to leave, it’s the sheer brilliance of its sound design. The music does more than complement the narrative – it amplifies it, thickening the dread, making fear palpable, and creating an immersive experience. Even when the movie falters in other areas, the score ensures your attention never wanes.
Also Read: Is There a Post Credit Scene in 28 Years Later?
The Cinematography Offsets Some of 28 Years Later’s Shortcomings
Jamie and Spike in 28 Years Later
Image Credit: Sony Pictures (via YouTube/Sony Pictures Entertainment, screenshot by Shashank Shakya/Beebom)
As highlighted earlier, 28 Years Later experiences some narrative stumbles, but let’s focus on its redeeming qualities first. One major strength of this film is its cinematography, which masterfully conveys chaos, emotion, and eerie beauty simultaneously.
Consider the opening sequence where Jamie (Aaron Taylor-Johnson) escorts his son Spike (Alfie Williams) to the mainland. The visuals cleverly blur the boundaries between a zombie outbreak and wartime trauma. Shots of archers intertwine with soldiers, and the father-son journey parallels a battalion’s march, as though both groups are entering the same hell, just in different forms.
The wide, lingering shots provide necessary breathing space amid tension, showcasing the ruins of civilization like twisted poetry—gritty, desolate, yet hauntingly beautiful. The mainland appears as forbidden fruit: rotten at its core but still tempting enough to take a bite. So, if you are a viewer who favors cinematic depth over tight storytelling and can handle some graphic gore, 28 Years Later might well satisfy your cravings.
However, the Story Undermines Much of Its Potential
Isla and Spike in 28 Years Later
Image Credit: Sony Pictures (via YouTube/Sony Pictures Entertainment, screenshot by Shashank Shakya/Beebom)
While 28 Years Later excels in sound design and cinematography, it falters noticeably in its story. It feels like the filmmakers concentrated heavily on perfecting aesthetics but somewhat neglected the narrative. To avoid excessive spoilers, here’s a broad overview.
The film is set in a post-apocalyptic future where the protagonist Spike lives with his father Jamie and his critically ill mother Isla (Jodie Comer) in a secure, well-organized community. Within this society, there is a grim tradition wherein fathers take their children to the mainland for their “first kill.” Jamie undertakes this trip with Spike, chaos soon erupts as expected, but they manage to return home where a celebration awaits.
Then an emotional twist hits: Spike discovers his father’s infidelity with his mother. Hurt and betrayed, Spike decides to secretly take Isla across the mainland in search of a rumored physician who might save her. This is where the story wobbles. Isla, previously too weak to eat or sit up, inexplicably gains the strength to travel miles through hazardous terrain. That leap strains credibility.
Moreover, inconsistencies emerge. When Spike first travels with Jamie, they’re immediately overwhelmed by Rage Virus-infected individuals as explained here. Yet the second journey across the mainland is surprisingly easy for the first half, which feels conveniently contrived.
In essence, the plot of 28 Years Later comes off as an underdeveloped and overly spiced side dish alongside an otherwise gourmet platter of stellar sound and visuals. The story isn’t wholly bad but is frustratingly shallow. Had the creators devoted as much care to narrative as to visuals, this film might have stood alongside 28 Days Later as a worthy sequel. Instead, it resembles a decadent pie with a golden, buttery crust that promises bliss but disappointingly crumbles when cut into.
Should You Watch 28 Years Later?
Now for the crucial question: is 28 Years Later worth watching? Let’s break it down. As emphasized throughout, this film heavily leans on its artistic elements and succeeds impressively on that front. From arresting cinematography to spine-tingling background music, it excels in everything surrounding the storytelling. However, the story itself does not hold up.
Themes of love, loss, and the relentless cycle of decay and rebirth are present and lend some emotional weight to the film. Yet, most audiences seek a story that resonates and endures after leaving the theater. On that score, 28 Years Later falls short. The plot is shaky and might leave viewers who prioritize narrative feeling disappointed.
That said, if you are a cinephile who appreciates film craftsmanship, atmospheric mood, and layered commentary wrapped in visual poetry, this movie could be your ideal pick. It’s a treat for the eyes and ears, even if the heart of the story feels a bit hollow.
So, should you buy your tickets? I’d advise considering carefully what you value most. While the storyline may falter, the rest is bound to captivate and impress. With that, I leave the choice in your hands.