I’ve been reading some of the early reviews for 28 Years Later, and honestly, I’m a bit disconnected from some of the feedback. I got to see it last night, and I want to share my honest thoughts.
This film picks up 28 years after the original virus escaped the lab, building on the foundation of the previous two films. However, if you go into this one expecting it to be just like the others, you’re going to be disappointed. Don’t do that to yourself! This is a new film with a new take on the story.
The storyline, while aligning with the originals, offers a fresh perspective. It primarily follows Alfie Williams’ character, Spike, a 12-year-old boy living successfully in a quarantined UK with a group of survivors. His decision to venture out sets off a thrilling and emotional journey that I won’t spoil.
I found the story to be great and inventive, offering a fantastic blend of thriller, fear, and raw emotion. This film truly has all the makings of a fantastic watch, earning it a 4.5 out of 5 stars from me. I thoroughly enjoyed not only the story and plot but also the incredible acting, especially from Alfie Williams himself. This kid is brilliant and truly amazing in his role.
From a technical standpoint, there was a lot of “swag” in this film, and I’m here for it. The effects were seamless; I never once felt the need to “side-eye” anything, which often happens in these types of movies when effects or makeup feel over the top. The biggest standout for me, however, was how beautifully shot the entire film is. Danny Boyle’s direction is magnificent, truly top-tier.
The only reason I’m not giving this a perfect five out of five is Ralph Fiennes’ casting. I felt he was miscast and his performance felt forced at times. I don’t believe this was an issue with the directing or the storyline itself, but rather a question of whether this was the right role for him.
Many people are talking about the ending, and yes, it’s clear it’s setting up a trilogy. The buzz is that more films are on the way, and I’m here for every single one of them. I didn’t mind the ending; I thought it was delivered with a clever, tongue-in-cheek tone that worked really well. Normally, I can be put off by such endings, but not this time. The film’s reserved approach to gore, which I usually appreciate, was maintained here, which I think leads to better storytelling.
Go see 28 Years Later now in theaters! From the directing and cinematography to the acting and story, it’s a truly great film.
