28 Years Later (2025) - 7/10

I’ve watched the two previous films back to back, so it’s now time to get up to date with 28 Years Later. The start of the story was the outbreak, the second act was a failed rebuilding. How will the returning Danny Boyle build on this shaky legacy? On an offshore Island, a group of survivors have gone back to basics, but are thriving. Young Spike (Alfie Williams) has a big day ahead, he’s headed to the mainland with his dad, Jamie (Aaron Taylor-Johnson) to go zombie hunting. A right of passage if you like. Once again it looks fantastic, but we’re out in the countryside this time in lush forest’s away from the cities, with the familiar fast zombies, new slow ones… and smart ones. It’s a baptism of fire for young Spike, who returns to the island a somewhat reluctant hero, but his world has changed, he’s seen things and learnt things, like the existence of a doctor, Kelson (Ralph Fiennes) who’s said to be off his rocker on the mainland, but whom Spike is hoping will be able to help his sick mum, Isla (Jodie Comer). It’s action packed, but this time it feels more controlled and purposeful. Yes there’s still a lot of gore and the zombies reflect an increased budget, but the weak story of the last film is beefed up with genuinely strong and interesting characters. Be it the sometimes confused but always maternal Isla, the misunderstood and spiritual Kelson or the blank canvas that is Spike, whose world is opening up in exciting and scary ways. Williams is great, Comer even better, but Fiennes can’t help but steal the show. It’s oddly sentimental for a zombie film and I’m not sure if it reaches a little too far, but it’s ambitious and open, clearly setting things up for the characters to grow within another film… even if the final scene does raise an eyebrow of concern.

7/10