by ECI Released : 2025-06-20
28 Years Later is the third film in the 28 Days Later franchise and sees the original film’s director-writer duo of Danny Boyle and Alex Garland return for a heart-pounding adventure that revives the bleak, kinetic energy that made the original a modern classic. After nearly three decades, this long-awaited sequel manages to feel both reverent and refreshingly urgent.
Boyle’s direction is as sharp as ever—gritty, chaotic, and emotionally resonant. The film pulses with dread, beauty, and bursts of violent energy that only he can orchestrate. Garland’s script skillfully weaves tension with themes of survival, memory, and societal collapse. The result is a story that doesn’t just revisit old ground but digs deeper into the scars left by the Rage virus.
The performances are a clear highlight. Aaron Taylor-Johnson brings intensity and vulnerability to his role, though his reduced screen time in the second half is noticeable and disappointing. Jodie Comer continues to prove she's one of the most versatile actors of her generation, balancing strength with nuance. Ralph Fiennes is commanding and quietly devastating in a role that elevates the film’s gravitas. But it’s newcomer Alfie Williams who truly stands out—his performance is raw, haunting, and unforgettable, the emotional anchor of the story.
That said, 28 Years Later isn’t without flaws. The open-ended conclusion sets up the inevitable sequel but doesn't offer as much resolution as some viewers might hope for. A few retcons from 28 Weeks Later may frustrate longtime fans, and Taylor-Johnson’s absence from key moments later in the film creates a noticeable void.
Still, these are minor quibbles in an otherwise gripping, beautifully made return to a beloved and brutal world. 28 Years Later is one of the year’s best—it’s worth seeing at a drive-in near you.
