'28 Years Later' Review: New Entry In The Horror Franchise Explores Themes Inspired By Real Life

Danny Boyle’s 28 Years Later is currently streaming on Netflix. A new installment in the horror franchise, the film became an unexpected hit when it arrived in theatres in June 2025.

The story continues from where the previous entry ended. This time, the movie focuses on the aftermath of the Rage virus outbreak, which was eventually brought under control in Europe. The intentions of the lead characters are also different, which might lead to more problems due to a small mistake.

With another follow-up scheduled to arrive on the big screen this week, let’s see if this one has the desired impact, like the last two films.

28 Years Later introduces some interesting characters in the storyline

Considering that the virus has had a lasting impact in Britain, the film focuses on a survivor community living on the Holy Island. It is a quarantined area, where we are introduced to 'Spike.' 'Spike’s' mother, 'Isla,' is battling an illness, following which the boy joins his father, 'Jamie,' to leave the place, aiming to find a treatment for 'Isla.' 

During their journey, the father-son duo discovers an infected group called 'Alpha.' They initially discovered a person named 'Jimmy.' While 'Jamie' refuses to get help from 'Dr. Ian Kelson' for his wife’s treatment, 'Isla' and 'Spike' later meet Kelson, who reveals 'Isla’s' diagnosis with terminal cancer. 'Kelson' has been an expert in terms of knowing everything about the infected. 

Alfie Williams takes away the spotlight in 28 Years Later

With a big lineup of popular faces, everyone gives their best on screen. But child actor Alfie Williams, who plays 'Spike,' is the main highlight. Certain moments featuring the character connect with everyone, specifically in those scenes when his mother is euthanised with morphine, and 'Isla’s' skull is given to 'Spike' by 'Dr. Ian Kelson.' 

Ralph Fiennes, who plays 'Kelson,' also grabs attention due to his humanity being displayed on screen, despite making a late entry. Others whose performances leave a positive impact include Jodie Comer as 'Isla' and Aaron Taylor-Johnson as 'Jamie.' 

28 Years Later features themes inspired by real-life events

Isolation is one of the central themes of the film. While it focuses on one quarantined group, many others now exist after the outbreak, as per the film’s main premise. Each group has evolved in some way. But the community, which is a part of the plot, follows strict rules of quarantine, a situation similar to something that we witnessed a few years ago with the pandemic.

The film also focuses on the hope that everyone has for the future while living in severe conditions. A moment of 'Dr. Ian Kelson' addresses the themes of love and death while he uses phrases like ‘memento amoris’ and ‘memento mori.’

28 Years Later ends by keeping audiences curious for the sequel

A new character, 'Jimmy Crystal,' enters at the end of the film. He is leading a group whose appearances resemble those of the late media personality, Jimmy Savile. The group can be seen saving 'Spike' from the infected, leading to a violent confrontation. 'Jimmy' wears an inverted cross while he introduces himself to 'Spike,' creating doubts about whether he intends to keep everyone safe or if he is hiding something.

Have you watched 28 Years Later on Netflix? What are your thoughts about it? Let us know.

Also read: 'The Night Manager 2' Review: Tom Hiddleston As 'Jonathan Pine' Faces A New Threat With A New Team

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