Movie Watch Diary #16: 28 Years Later – A Haunting Family Drama Amid Zombie Chaos

Welcome back to my Movie Watch Diary on Bookimov: Books & Movies! For my sixteenth entry, I watched 28 Years Later (2025), directed by Danny Boyle and written by Alex Garland, a gripping continuation of the iconic zombie franchise that began with 28 Days Later (2002) and 28 Weeks Later (2007). This film, set 28 years after the rage virus outbreak, blends visceral horror with a deeply moving family story, wrapped in stunning visuals. It’s a standout for me, earning an 8/10. Let’s dive into why this film hit me so hard, and as always, I need your movie picks for my next diary. 

28 Years Later (2025): A Worthy Sequel in the 28 Franchise

28 Years Later follows in the footsteps of 28 Days Later (2002), which redefined zombie horror with its fast-moving infected, and 28 Weeks Later (2007), which explored militarized aftermath. This third chapter, set in 2031, takes place long after the rage virus devastated Britain, now contained to the mainland under strict quarantine. The story shifts to a new setting—a remote island community in the Scottish Highlands—delivering fresh stakes while staying true to the franchise’s gritty, emotional core.

The Plot: A Family’s Fight for Survival

The film centers on a family living on Lindisfarne, a tidal island connected to the mainland by a fortified causeway. Jamie (Aaron Taylor-Johnson), a protective father, trains his 12-year-old son, Spike (Alfie Williams), for a ritual hunt to kill infected “zombies” on the mainland. Spike’s mother, Isla (Jodie Comer), is bedridden with a mysterious illness, adding urgency to their story. When Spike spots a distant fire during a hunt, he learns of Dr. Ian Kelson (Ralph Fiennes), a reclusive physician who might cure Isla. Driven by love for his mother, Spike defies the island’s rules, taking Isla to the mainland through a perilous landscape of evolved infected—some slow and grotesque, others fast and cunning, led by an intelligent “Alpha” named Samson. Their journey, fraught with danger and surreal encounters, explores survival, sacrifice, and the enduring bond between mother and son.

A Powerful Family Drama

The film’s greatest strength is its portrayal of family dynamics, particularly Spike’s devotion to Isla. The love between this mother and son is the emotional core, driving Spike to risk everything to save her. Jamie, a hardened survivor, balances pride in his son with fear for his safety, while Isla’s illness adds a tragic layer to their bond. The performances—Williams’ breakout role, Comer’s nuanced vulnerability, and Taylor-Johnson’s rugged intensity—are exceptional, grounding the horror in human connection. This focus on family, especially Spike’s selfless love, delivers a universal message that resonates deeply.

Stunning Visuals and Haunting Imagery

The visuals, shot by Anthony Dod Mantle, are breathtaking. The Scottish Highlands—rugged islands, misty seas, and dense forests—create a stark, beautiful backdrop that contrasts the horror. A chilling standout is Dr. Kelson’s bone structures, eerie sculptures made from human remains, possibly a memorial to the millions lost to the virus. These haunting creations feel both artistic and macabre, symbolizing the pandemic’s toll. Another unforgettable scene involves a pregnant infected woman giving birth, aided by Isla despite the danger. This moment of female solidarity—two women, one human, one infected, united in childbirth—is profound, suggesting a flicker of humanity in the infected. The baby, born uninfected, hints at hope for humanity, perhaps protected by the “miracle of the placenta,” as Dr. Kelson suggests.

A Glimmer of Hope and Sequel Potential

The birth of an uninfected child from an infected mother is a powerful symbol of hope, especially since the virus, isolated to the UK, has no vaccine or cure after 28 years. The film’s ending introduces a new group of survivors who’ve learned to combat the infected, opening the door for a sequel, 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple (set for January 2026). The box office success of 28 Years Later—already strong, given its buzz—will likely ensure this trilogy continues, and I’m excited for what’s next.

A Few Missteps

While I loved the film, some elements grated. The use of eerie background chants—mixing music and unsettling voices—felt overdone and distracting, clashing with the film’s atmosphere. Similarly, brief archival clips of old war footage, meant to show society’s regression, felt unnecessary. The story and its messages were strong enough without these additions, which occasionally disrupted the flow.

See also: Movie Watch Diary #15: Jurassic World Rebirth – A Disjointed Dino Disappointment

Ratings and Final Thoughts

28 Years Later has a 7.2/10 on IMDb (from 34,000 votes) and a stellar 95% on Rotten Tomatoes (from 73 critics, audience score 78%). Critics praise its bold visuals and emotional depth, though some audience reviews, averaging 6-7/10, find it less intense than earlier entries. I give it an 8/10 for its gripping family drama, stunning visuals, and thought-provoking moments, like the pregnant infected scene. It’s a film I’d rewatch to catch more nuances, as its themes of love, hope, and humanity linger.

What did you think of 28 Years Later? Did the family story or the infected’s humanity move you? Share your thoughts below! Also, I’m hunting for my next Movie Watch Diary pick. Got a movie you think I should watch? Drop your suggestion in the comments, and it might star in my next post on Bookimov: Books & Movies. Until next time, stay safe from the rage!