28 Years Later is the third film in the 28 Days Later film series, following 2007’s 28 Weeks Later. The film reunites Alex Garland as writer & Danny Boyle as director after they last worked on the first film. The film stars Jodie Comer, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Jack O’Connell, Alfie Williams, and Ralph Fiennes. Twenty-eight years since the rage virus escaped a biological weapons laboratory, now, still in a ruthlessly enforced quarantine, some have found ways to exist amidst the infected. One such group lives on a small island connected to the mainland by a single, heavily-defended causeway. When one member departs on a mission into the dark heart of the mainland, he discovers secrets, wonders, and horrors that have mutated not only the infected but other survivors as well.

The time is finally here. Twenty-three years after the first movie and eighteen years after the second, not only do we finally have a new story in the 28 Days Later franchise, director Danny Boyle & writer Alex Garland are back to tell this brand new story after their work on the first film. I’ve been excited for this since they first announced they were making a trilogy out of the third film. The first and only trailer I ever saw was memorable and more than enough to make me go see it. While that one trailer makes it look like this film is going to be one thing, it manages to subvert expectations that still gives you exactly what you want at the same time.

Based on what the trailers gave us, that’s exactly what I was expecting, yet I’d say majority of the trailer only really shows you what the first 40 or so minutes are like. Without giving much away, when I realized the first act was concluding, I was so confused. I had to check my watch that the movie wasn’t almost over. Nope. Only 40 minutes in. Something else has to happen. Something else does happen, but not in the way you would think. It’s rare for us to get this kind of summer blockbuster that subverts your expectations like this while still being a great movie.

The way the film plays out truly tells the story of young teen Spike, played by Alfie Williams, who we see this new world through. There is the perspective given from his dad, Jamie, played by Aaron Taylor-Johnson, and then there’s perspective of his mom, Isla, played by Jodie Comer. Jamie is relentless and unforgiving, while Isla battles a mysterious illness that makes her a profoundly emotional character. Both perspectives manage to shape who Spike will become. It’s a story about the young generation that’s told much better than 28 Weeks Later.

Known for his social commentary, Garland returns to write the script. You can see where his latest work helps shape the unpredictable nature of this story. The film is quite enjoyable on the surface, but there are themes that go way beyond it. As a community goes backwards due to an outbreak, Spike is seeing the societal norms of what it means to be a man through the lens of his mother and father. Just because he is being forced into what these norms should be doesn’t mean Spike wants to be this person everyone else wants him to be. That’s what makes Spike such a likable character as someone who is simply just trying to do the right thing that may challenge those against him.

The performances that director Danny Boyle brings out echo exactly what Garland writes down on paper. The duo is a team made in heaven with Garland’s brilliant writing and Boyle’s sharp & dynamic directing. Comer brings an emotional presence. Taylor-Johnson commands the screen. Ralph Fiennes shows a different side of the world and how this new world wants nothing to do with him.

Even at his worst, Boyle is still one of my favorite filmmakers. From the creative imagery he evokes to the unsettling nature presented on screen, Boyle is going for something memorable and it only makes sense for him to come back to tell this brand new story. I’ve been seeing other reviewers point out how this feels like an arthouse film, but I’d argue that this is who Boyle has always been. He changed the game for what zombie films could be with the first entry and he continues to do the same here. The cinematography and editing helps creates that unsettling nature and help tell the film’s story. It’s clear this is the vision Boyle has. It might not be for everyone, but it works for me.

Another aspect of the film that I took into account from other reviewers going in was based on how the film ends. Without giving anything away, it’s nuts. It’s tonally jarring that differs from the rest of the film and will certainly challenge moviegoers. Personally, I don’t mind it as it only makes me more excited for the new film. You can tell where Garland had a lot of different story ideas in the chamber over the last twenty years, and it’s best to tell it over three completely different movies. If the first two movies don’t do well financially, then that may mean we won’t get a third movie. If that happens, then I will be more critical of this film’s ending.

The biggest criticism I do have with the film is one that doesn’t hurt the movie all that much. Again, without spoilers, when the film shifts from its first story into the next, it involves an important character mysteriously leaving. I suppose it makes sense for them to leave, but for them to not do anything didn’t quite feel like what we saw from the character before. I did feel that way from time to time where the writing could be a little convenient to keep the film going. At the same time, I do think this was Boyle’s way to keep the film going and may have cut some material out.

Overall, 28 Years Later is an amazing thrill-ride that will satisfy new fans, and hopefully, usher in new fans. It’s highly unpredictable all while still giving you exactly what you want out of these movies. The writing can be a little convenient from time to time, but there is no denying the impeccable quality this film has from the original team who started it all. I can’t wait to see it again.

VERDICT: 4.5/5 (Amazing)