Title: 28 Years Later
MPA Rating: R
Director: Danny Boyle
Starring: Jodie Comer, Aaron Taylor Johnson, Alfie Williams
Runtime: 1 hr 55 mins

What It Is: On a small island, survivors of the rage virus are still fighting to stay alive. When a small group ventures to the mainland on a mission, they discover what has become of humanity—and the mutated horrors of the infected. Spike (Williams) will do whatever it takes to save his mother figure, Isla (Comer), from the mysterious illness plaguing her. Even if it means navigating the deadly outside world to find a doctor who might be able to help.

What We Think: A gross and gorgeous experience. Danny Boyle can still direct the hell out of a movie. There’s so much good here—from the dark, striking cinematography to Boyle’s sharp shot selection. The film radiates pure energy. That energy is frantic and chaotic, yet even in the stillness, there’s insanity. At any moment, a quiet walk can explode into a desperate sprint for survival.

Narratively, the film struck me hard. What begins as an examination of survival transforms into something else entirely. It feels like two films woven together into one seamless story. There are moments of genuine shock, and that unfiltered quality is what makes both this film and the series so powerful. Boyle never holds our hands—he deals the cards and lets us make the decisions.

Our Grade: A-, Horror is thriving this year, and I wouldn’t be surprised if more films in the genre continue to hit this level. Danny Boyle will keep doing whatever he wants, and I can’t wait for the next entry, directed by Nia DaCosta—a thrilling prospect. Somehow, this film is already streaming on Netflix, so definitely check it out. It’s a damn good movie. If you skipped it in theaters, shame on you—it’s an experience.