Danny Boyle’s return to the world of 28 Days Later with 28 Years Later falls short of expectations for fans of the original films. The movie tries to build on the legacy of the series, but the result is a story that feels scattered and lacks the suspense that made the earlier entries memorable.
The plot centers on a teenager named Spike, played by Alfie Williams, who is thrust into a dangerous world filled with infected people. His father, Jamie (Aaron Taylor-Johnson), is a scavenger who puts pressure on Spike to become a fighter, while his mother, Isla (Jodie Comer), is suffering from a mysterious illness. The family dynamic is meant to add emotional weight, but the characters never fully connect with the audience. Jodie Comer, in particular, is given little to work with, and her talent feels wasted.
The film’s first act offers some promise, with a few tense scenes and interesting visuals. However, as the story unfolds, it becomes clear that the narrative is unfocused. The movie introduces new characters, like a Swedish soldier and a medic played by Ralph Fiennes, but they do little to move the plot forward. The infected, while visually striking, do not bring anything new to the genre.
One of the film’s biggest issues is its reliance on flashy editing and special effects. The action sequences are filled with quick cuts and digital effects that distract more than they impress. The story also tries to touch on social and political themes, but these ideas are never developed in a meaningful way. Instead, they feel like surface-level additions meant to give the film a sense of importance.
By the time the movie reaches its final act, the pacing falls apart completely. The climax is confusing and fails to deliver any real payoff. The film ends with a setup for a sequel, but by then, it is hard to care about what happens next.
28 Years Later is a disappointment for fans hoping for a strong continuation of the series. The film struggles to find a clear direction, and the attempts at deeper meaning do not make up for its lack of suspense and originality. Despite the return of director Danny Boyle and writer Alex Garland, this installment does not live up to the legacy of the franchise.
English (US) · 