Danny Boyle and Alex Garland’s long-awaited zombie sequel, 28 Years Later, is now available on Netflix. The film, which premiered in theaters in June 2025, continues the story of survival in a world ravaged by the Rage virus. Set decades after the original film, it introduces new characters and explores themes of empathy, evolution, and coming-of-age in a post-apocalyptic landscape. With its unique visual style and emotional depth, the movie has garnered attention for reinventing the franchise while staying true to its roots.
What Is 28 Years Later About?
The story takes place 28 years after the initial outbreak of the Rage virus, which has left the British Isles under quarantine. A community of survivors lives on Lindisfarne (Holy Island), a secluded area connected to the mainland by a causeway. The plot centers on 12-year-old Spike (played by Alfie Williams), his father Jamie (Aaron Taylor-Johnson), and his ailing mother Isla (Jodie Comer). Spike’s journey begins when he accompanies Jamie to the mainland for a rite-of-passage zombie hunt. However, the trip goes awry, leading to a series of events that reveal new horrors and mysteries about the infected and the world they inhabit.
One of the film’s most discussed scenes involves a pregnant zombie who gives birth to a healthy baby. This moment symbolizes the movie’s focus on empathy and the possibility of life amid death. Spike’s encounters with other survivors, including Dr. Ian Kelson (Ralph Fiennes), add layers to the narrative, exploring how humanity adapts to extreme circumstances.
How Does It Compare to the Previous Films?
28 Years Later is the third installment in the franchise, following 28 Days Later (2002) and 28 Weeks Later (2007). While the first two films focused on the immediate aftermath of the outbreak, this sequel shifts to a coming-of-age story set in a more evolved post-apocalyptic world. Director Danny Boyle and writer Alex Garland, who collaborated on the original film, return here after sitting out the second installment. Their involvement makes this feel like a true continuation of the vision they started in 2002.
Visually, the film stands out for its use of modern technology, including iPhone 15 Pro Max cameras, which create a hyperreal style with sharp colors and dynamic angles. This approach echoes the raw digital look of the original but updates it for a new era. The movie also diverges from traditional zombie tropes by blending genres, including horror, drama, and even elements of folk satire.
Who Is in the Cast?
The film features a star-studded cast, including:
- Aaron Taylor-Johnson as Jamie, a scavenger and Spike’s father.
- Jodie Comer as Isla, Spike’s mother, who battles a mysterious illness.
- Alfie Williams as Spike, in his feature film debut.
- Ralph Fiennes as Dr. Ian Kelson, a doctor living in exile.
- Jack O’Connell as Sir Jimmy Crystal, the leader of a cult.
Original 28 Days Later star Cillian Murphy serves as an executive producer but does not appear in the film.
How Has the Film Been Received?
Critics and audiences have praised 28 Years Later for its ambitious storytelling and strong performances. It holds an 88% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with reviewers highlighting its emotional depth and visual innovation. However, some fans of the original films found the tonal shifts and ending divisive. The movie grossed $150 million worldwide against a $60 million budget, making it a commercial success.
Social media reactions have been mixed, with some viewers appreciating the new direction and others feeling disconnected from the franchise’s roots. One fan commented:
“Boyle and Garland chose art over nostalgia, and it paid off. This isn’t just another zombie movie; it’s a statement on growth and empathy”.
Why Is Its Netflix Release Significant?
The Netflix release on September 20, 2025, brings the film to a broader global audience. It arrived on the platform after a theatrical run and a brief period on premium video-on-demand services. For subscribers, the streaming release means accessibility to one of the year’s most talked-about horror sequels without additional cost.
This move also sets the stage for the next installment in the franchise, 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple, directed by Nia DaCosta and scheduled for release in January 2026.
Where Was the Film Shot?
28 Years Later was filmed across various locations in England, including Holy Island (Lindisfarne), North Yorkshire, Somerset, and County Durham. The use of real landscapes adds to the film’s gritty, authentic feel. Notably, the production relied heavily on iPhone 15 Pro Max cameras to achieve its distinct visual style.
The film is the first part of a planned new trilogy. The sequel, The Bone Temple, is already in production, with Alex Garland writing the script and Nia DaCosta directing. Danny Boyle is expected to return for the third film. This expansion aims to further explore the evolving world of the Rage virus and its impact on humanity.
Also Read: Chi Lewis-Parry Opens Up About Playing the Terrifying Alpha Zombie in 28 Years Later; WATCH
