‘28 Years Later’, the long awaited direct sequel to cult horror phenomenon ‘28 Days Later’ has been released, with some already pinning it as their favourite movie of the year.
With the original’s impact on the horror world leaving big shoes to fill, I am happy to say that ‘28 Years Later’ didn’t just meet expectations, it exceeded them.
The story continues 28 years after the Rage Virus infected the UK and left either crazed, bloodthirsty attackers or desperate survivors in its wake.
We meet a group of survivors who have formed a community on a nearby island connected to the mainland by a causeway, with visitation dictated by the tides.
When one of these survivors enters the mainland in search of help, the reality of life ravaged by the Rage Virus yields mysteries and horrors that have altered the world forever.
Never has a film taken me on such an emotional rollercoaster. The majority of the film was spent feeling extremely anxious, with some particularly tense scenes causing me to squeeze my partner’s hand in desperation. Being a big fan of the original, I was eager to see this new instalment, but had forgotten just how intense and gut wrenching Danny Boyle’s directing style can be.
Interestingly, ‘28 Years Later’ was shot completely on iPhones, to give the film a real and raw feel, and transport the viewer into the film (somewhere I desperately do not want to be).
Of course, between helping the infected give birth and people having their heads and spines ripped from their bodies, the film finds time to strike a tender chord in the hearts of the audience. The relationship between our main character Spike and his mother Isla is explored, leaving audiences questioning their own mortality and understandably sobbing in the theatre (just me?).
‘28 Years Later’ is a perfect example of a sequel. Despite the original film being released over two decades ago, it retains its cult following as one of the best modern dystopian films. ‘28 Years Later’ is no exception, and follows on from its predecessor seamlessly.
This film is raw, gruesome, heart-stopping and emotional, and I can’t wait to see it again.
See this movie at Hoyts Penrith.
