28 Days Later
|
The following work contains material and themes that may include coarse language, sexual references, and/or graphic violent images that may disturb some viewers. Mature articles are recommended for those who are 18 years of age or above. If you are 18 years old or above, or are comfortable with mature content, you are free to view this page; otherwise, you should close this page and view another one. Reader discretion is advised. |
| 28 Days Later | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 The Days Are Numbered...
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
28 Days Later is a 2002 British post-apocalyptic horror film directed by Danny Boyle and written by Alex Garland. It stars Cillian Murphy as a bicycle courier who awakens from a coma to discover the accidental release of a highly contagious, aggression-inducing virus has caused the breakdown of society. Naomie Harris, Christopher Eccleston, Megan Burns, and Brendan Gleeson appear in supporting roles.
Plot
A bicycle courier awakens himself in an abandoned London ravaged by people infected with a virus that increases aggression.
Why It Survives
- At the time of this movie's release, almost all zombie films relied on slow-moving zombies that turn you into one in a couple of days. 28 Days Later introduces fast-moving zombies that can turn you in seconds.
- Incredible performances from the cast that a majority of them were unknown before filming.
- Incredible direction and writing from Alex Garland and Danny Boyle.
- Tons of scary moments.
- Even without the infected, there's a horrifying implication of the soldiers seeking a chance to rape the women.
- Excellent action sequences, such as Jim's rampage through West's mansion.
- The scene where Jim walks into an abandoned London is considered to be one of the most memorable scenes in the entire film. The sense of loneliness and tension before you meet the actual infectees adds to the horror.
- Incredible score by Jerry Goldsmith, especially In a House, In A Heartbeat which will make you tense.
- Likable characters such as Jim, Selena, Hannah, and surprisingly Sergeant Farrel.
- Excellent ending: Jim, Selena, and Hannah manage to survive the Rage virus while the infected die of starvation.
- Overall this film managed to reinvigorate the zombie genre, which is why we now have fast-moving zombies in other horror films that feature zombies.
Rage-Inducing Qualities
- The original ending had Jim dying while Selena and Hannah proceed on. Although Alex Garland and Danny Boyle insist that was the true ending, test audiences hated it as it was too bleak. With Danny Boyle set to return for 28 Years Later, this ending was made non-canon.
- While the cinematography is great, sometimes its hard to see what's going on.
Reception
Critical views of the film were positive. On the film review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes, 87% of 235 critics' reviews gave 28 Days Later a positive review, with an average rating of 7.40/10. The site's consensus reads: "Kinetically directed by Danny Boyle, 28 Days Later is both a terrifying zombie movie and a sharp political allegory." On Metacritic, the film received a rating of 73 out of 100 based on 39 reviews, indicating "generally favourable reviews".