TL;DR
28 Years Later throws us back into the UK's rage virus zone nearly 30 years after the original, following a family's tense life and a son's coming-of-age ritual gone wrong. While Danny Boyle's return as director delivers intense tension and impressive visuals shot on an iPhone 15 Pro, the film's narrative feels a bit split, leading to some questionable character choices. Despite not hitting every expectation, it's a well-crafted and exciting entry, especially with its immersive Dolby Atmos audio. Ready to see if this new chapter ignites your interest? Dive into the full review to find out more!
28 Years Later is set, as the title indicates, nearly three decades after the initial outbreak of the “rage” virus depicted in the seminal 2002 film, 28 Days Later. This installment delves into the realities of life within the quarantine zone, revealing that the virus has, contrary to implications at the conclusion of 28 Weeks Later (2007), remained contained within the UK. The narrative follows Jamie (Aaron Taylor-Johnson), his wife Isla (Jodie Comer), and their son Spike (Alfie Williams), as they navigate a challenging existence in a secluded island village. A significant coming-of-age ritual for Spike, undertaken with his father, unexpectedly triggers a sequence of unforeseen and impactful events.
The initial film in the series remains highly regarded for its distinctive tension and innovative narrative elements within the genre. Its use of video cameras created a raw, unique visual aesthetic that, while not always conventionally pristine, effectively maintained a visceral sense of urgency throughout. The sequel, 28 Weeks Later, opted for a larger scale and increased action, which somewhat diminished the tension of its predecessor, yet it still offered a compelling viewing experience. Plans for a 28 Months Later were ultimately shelved due to developmental delays. Consequently, the announcement of 28 Years Later, with Danny Boyle returning as director, garnered significant attention.
Anticipation for this film was considerable, and to a notable extent, these expectations were met. The film successfully reintroduces a palpable tension, immersing the audience in an intense experience from its opening scene. The premise surrounding the coming-of-age ritual is both well-conceived and engaging. However, a subsequent shift in the film’s thematic focus leads to a more introspective approach, which diverged somewhat from my initial expectations. While the film features several masterful acting performances and undeniably exciting sequences, it occasionally feels structurally disparate, akin to two distinct films merged into one. Furthermore, certain character decisions and reactions throughout the narrative strike one as somewhat incongruous. It is also commendable to see Edvin Ryding (Avgrunden) in a small yet impactful role. Alex Garland (Civil War) penned the screenplay, and despite the film not entirely aligning with anticipated directions, it is a well-crafted and largely entertaining work. Nevertheless, it prompts reflection on whether this particular narrative trajectory was the most optimal choice for the franchise.
The UHD release is presented in 2160p with HEVC/H.265 encoding, mastered in both Dolby Vision and HDR10. Following the first film’s use of video cameras, this iteration was filmed with an iPhone 15 Pro. The visual fidelity is remarkably impressive, particularly considering that despite enhancements like larger lenses and additional stabilization, a smartphone inherently offers different performance characteristics than professional cinematic cameras. The digital-to-digital transfer ensures a razor-sharp picture with no discernible loss in quality.
The audio experience, presented in Dolby Atmos, is exceptionally immersive, especially during high-stakes chase sequences. A particular scene involving a pursuit across water delivers a truly visceral and gripping soundscape. Dialogue is consistently well-positioned and balanced within the broader acoustic environment.
The supplementary material provided is insightful, offering particular depth into the unique filming methodology and the distinct visual aesthetic of the movie. A notable omission, however, is the absence of a commentary track.
In conclusion, 28 Years Later comes highly recommended, offering nearly two intense hours of cinematic entertainment, irrespective of individual preferences for the film’s direction. While it may deviate from some fan expectations, it marks merely the inception of a new chapter, with the sequel, 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple, scheduled for release next year.
SF Studios provided review copies for this assessment. Material providers exert no editorial influence on our reviews; our evaluations are always independent, prioritizing our readers and consumers.
