28 Years Later Film Review: A Beautifully Haunting Experience of Cinematic Grandeur

28 Years Later is a gripping, atmospheric, and visually arresting film — a hauntingly beautiful experience that blends tension and scale with poetic unease. Reuniting once again, director Danny Boyle and writer Alex Garland bring their signature intensity to this long-awaited sequel, delivering a powerful new chapter in the 28 Days Later franchise. From its chilling opening moments to its emotionally resonant final scenes, Boyle and Garland craft a vision that is both immersive and unforgettable.

A Chilling Opening with Literary Weight

Even before its release, the film’s use of Rudyard Kipling’s poem Boots in the official trailer generated widespread praise. Early in the film, a montage paired with the poem sets an eerie, immersive tone that immediately draws viewers in. This creative decision builds a creeping sense of dread that never fully lets up.

Brutal, Beautiful, and Elevated

The chase scenes — particularly those involving the Infected and the terrifying Alpha — are intense and adrenaline-pumping, with the film taking the franchise’s blood and brutality to new heights. Yet amidst the horror, there are moments of haunting beauty: sweeping landscapes, still frames, and carefully composed shots. The cinematography, editing, and sound design are masterful, with a score that shows impeccable taste and stirring emotional power.

An Attack on Titan Influence

Writer Alex Garland has spoken openly about his admiration for Attack on Titan, which he watched with his daughter. That influence is evident in several scenes — wide blue skies, towering trees, sprawling meadows, and surreal imagery like naked Infected figures charging across open land. As a fellow Attack on Titan fan, I found this aesthetic deeply satisfying.

Standout Performances

The scene where Jamie and Spike return to the island via a half-submerged causeway, pursued by the Alpha, is a moment of pure cinematic grandeur. Alfie Williams delivers a natural, grounded performance as Spike, while Ralph Fiennes is excellent as the enigmatic Dr. Kelson, offering a calm, controlled presence.

Life, Death, and Hope

Unlike its predecessors’ bleak and hopeless tone, 28 Years Later carries a note of hope. The Infected gives birth to an uninfected baby — a symbolic turning point that hints at the possibility of renewal. In a particularly powerful moment, Spike places his mother’s skull atop the “Bone Temple,” gazing toward the sunrise. It’s a poetic image of both death and rebirth, offering a striking contrast to the despair that defined earlier chapters.

Flawed, but Forgivable

Narratively, the film isn’t perfect. For instance, why doesn’t Dr. Kelson kill the Alpha? Is it because, as a doctor, he sees life differently? These ambiguities are never fully resolved. However, as the first entry in a new trilogy, I found the slower pace and limited plot development acceptable — there’s room to grow.

Misunderstood Expectations?

The film’s mixed reviews may stem from misguided expectations. Many viewers anticipated a return to the bleak, post-apocalyptic tone of the earlier films. Instead, 28 Years Later presents a world where humans have partially reclaimed control. Those expecting classic zombie chaos may have been disappointed, but I believe the film succeeds on its own terms.

What’s Next: The Bone Temple

The sequel, 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple, is officially set for release on 16 January 2026 — 28 weeks from now. While Cillian Murphy is confirmed to return, it’s exciting to see the narrative potentially reconnect with 28 Days Later. However, director Danny Boyle will not be continuing with the sequel. Instead, the film will be directed by Nia DaCosta, best known for The Marvels. The change in director does raise some concerns about whether the tone and quality can be consistently maintained.