Released in 2002, 28 Days Later reinvigorated the zombie genre by opting for a stripped-down, character-first approach. Following a 2007 sequel titled 28 Weeks Later, the franchise was left to rot away for almost two decades. After much anticipation and fanfare, original director Danny Boyle has returned with writer Alex Garland to resurrect the series, creating 28 Years Later, an entry which may very well top the films that came before it.

Almost three decades have passed since the rage virus infected the general public. A small group of survivors on an isolated island continue to build a community in an apocalyptic country. When a young boy and his father decide to venture into the dark heart of the mainland, they soon become captured in a saga surrounding life and death. The film stars Alfie Williams, Jodie Comer, Aaron Taylor-Johnson and Ralph Fiennes.

28 Years Later is not a zombie action film. It is, instead, a coming-of-age story centred on the acknowledgement and acceptance of death. We follow a young boy facing the demise of humanity, coming to grips with the brief nature of life and what it means to say goodbye. This injection of psychology and philosophy is masterful and stands as the heart of the entire film. Told in a manner that resembles a fable, the acts are structured to convey a deep emotional meaning. As expected, Alex Garland’s script is impeccable, and Danny Boyle’s raw-yet-stylised filmmaking elevates every scene.

While its best qualities may lie in the quiet moments of contemplation, the sequences involving bloody combat are brilliant too. Utilising distinctive camera techniques, the action on screen is refreshingly unique. Boyle seems to have made an effort to deliver a, frankly, iconic way to visualise a zombie kill. In line with this, the film is a gorgeous vision of hell shot through the lens of an iPhone.

Concerning performances, Alfie Williams is a powerhouse of a young actor. The entire movie rests on his shoulders, but he carries the weight with impressive skill. Portraying a deeply complex character, Jodie Comer must be commended for her stirring portrayal, too. Her role was not an easy one, but she handled it with care. Rounding out the main cast, Aaron Taylor-Johnson and Ralph Fiennes have smaller roles but are quite memorable for the time they are given.

For some, the film’s only controversial element will be its final moments. What seems to be a tease for a sequel ends up being a jarring scene, which will no doubt affect some viewers’ overall opinion. While this could all make more sense as the series moves forward, it is, as it stands, a laughable mistake within an otherwise thrilling narrative.

In its totality, 28 Years Later is one of the best releases of 2025. A genre-breaking storybook on death, this is a display of expert filmmakers at the top of their game, delivering a franchise movie that defies expectations.