After “28 Weeks Later” came out in 2007 becoming a modest financial hit, Danny Boyle intended to make a third installment of the “28 Days Later” series. Unfortunately, legal issues over film rights put the threequel on halt as well as Alex Garland’s scheduling conflicts with other projects. After a 12 year hiatus, Danny & Alex finally collaborate on the third entry. Cillian Murphy enthusiastically came back to work on it. The former pair intend to map the third, fourth and fifth film as a trilogy. Due to a scheduling conflicts filming scenes for “Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man,” Cillian dropped out. That doesn’t mean he’s written off, he made plans to return in the fourth and fifth installments. Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Jodie Comer, Ralph Fiennes and newcomer, Alfie Williams signed on to portray new characters in “28 Years Later.”
The first film in the trilogy earned praise from circus and movie goers alike. Plus, it was a commercial hit. The second entry, “The Bone Temple” is officially out in theaters. The third entry is currently in development. As of January 2026, no release date’s confirmed.
Today’s review contains no SPOILERS.
Alive & Dead Qualities
Alive: Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Jodie Comer & Ralph Fiennes all did a superb job for their respective performances.
Danny Boyle did a great job directing.
Alex Garland wrote the script. He also co-produced the film along with Mr. Boyle.
Although not present, Cillian Murphy served as an executive producer. Don’t worry, he’s back in the next installment. He was busy working on a Peaky Blinders film.
Scare Factor has some bone chilling moments. Ten times scarier than Dakota Fanning’s half-baked horror movie, “Vicious.” Boy, it was a dud.
Death Scenes are brutal. Whenever a zombie’s hit, the camera stops for a millisecond indicating an arrow lands on a target’s pressure point. Reminds me of the VATS system from the “Fallout” games. Whenever the player fires at a target’s limbs, they start to weaken or fly off.
Cinematography’s shot in stable condition.
Pacing didn’t feel like Guillermo del Toro’s slow burn interpretation of “Frankenstein.” I was hooked right from the get-go. Sorry folks, I don’t like it. Pretty jarring it was nominated the 2026 Golden Globes for “Best Drama.”
Spike’s chemistry with his parents, Jamie & Isla serves as the main highlight. His interactions with them move the story forward.
Zombies are stronger and deadlier than the last two installments.
The Prologue shows a flashback prior to the outbreak. A reminder for everybody what happened when the Rage Virus infected people.
Don’t expect Mr. Taylor-Johnson’s character carrying the sequel, newcomer, Alfie Williams actually plays the main protagonist, Spike. He’s not a carbon copy of Mr. Murphy’s character, Jim.
Remember in one of the previews a lot of people assume Jim came back as a zombie? Turns out to be some random nobody. Thank goodness Alex & Danny didn’t do Jim dirty. They managed to avoid pulling an “Alien 3.” If you know, you know.
Although labeled as a zombie horror flick, there’s some dramatic moments. Especially in the Third Act. Without giving anything away, it’s gonna make you cry. More emotionally in-depth than “The Last of Us Part II.” Neil Druckmann made a really big boo boo.
Story isn’t a redo of the first film. It’s a coming-of-age drama set in a post-apocalyptic zombie world with Spike taking his mother to find a doctor to make her feel better. She’s not suffering effects from the Rage Virus. It’s something else. You’ll have to see for yourself. Anyway, the story didn’t feel like a cheesy Lifetime TV movie.
Last Scene sets up The Bone Collector.
Dead: couldn’t find nothing wrong. I’m giving the cast and crew an Extra Point for making a flawless sequel as possible.
The Final Verdict: A, FOR APEX!
I consider 28 Years Later as my favorite horror film of 2025. I’m baffled it didn’t get nominated at the 2026 Golden Globes. “Weapons” & Frankenstein were boring as heck. They didn’t feel scary at all. If you’re prepping up for The Bone Collector, check out its predecessor. 2025 was a good year for horror films. I like “Bring Her Back” & “Sinners.” Which horror film from 2025 is your number one pick? Please leave a comment.
Nickthemoviecritic.com 