28 Years Later (2025) Movie Review | Full Breakdown, Ending Explained & Zombie Horror Return

The wait is finally over. Danny Boyle and Alex Garland, the masterminds behind the groundbreaking 2002 horror classic 28 Days Later, have reunited for 28 Years Later, a bold and unconventional sequel that has critics buzzing and audiences on the edge of their seats. Released on June 20, 2025, this latest chapter in the 28 Days franchise is already making waves for its unique blend of horror, heart, and social commentary. Here’s a deep dive into the reviews and what makes 28 Years Later a must-watch for fans of the genre and newcomers alike.

Set nearly three decades after the Rage Virus decimated Britain, 28 Years Later transports viewers to a quarantined, ravaged landscape where survivors cling to hope on isolated outposts. The story centers on a small community on Lindisfarne, or Holy Island, connected to the mainland by a heavily guarded causeway. When a young boy named Spike (Alfie Williams) ventures with his father Jamie (Aaron Taylor-Johnson) into the infected mainland, they uncover secrets and horrors that challenge their understanding of the infected—and humanity itself. Joined by stellar performances from Jodie Comer, Ralph Fiennes, and Jack O’Connell, the film is as much a coming-of-age tale as it is a horror-thriller.

Critics have hailed 28 Years Later as a worthy successor to the original, with a 95% "Fresh" rating on Rotten Tomatoes (based on 80 reviews) and a 78/100 score on Metacritic, placing it among Danny Boyle’s finest works. But what exactly has critics so captivated? Let’s break down the reviews.

Critics have praised Boyle’s signature kinetic style, amplified by innovative cinematography from Anthony Dod Mantle, who shot much of the film on iPhone 15 Max Pros. This “poor man’s bullet time” effect, as Boyle calls it, creates a disorienting, immersive experience during action scenes, with drone shots and night-vision sequences adding a fresh visual flair. IGN notes, “The beauty of the British countryside is highlighted so well that it never feels like an unfavorable trade for 28 Days’ chillingly empty London.”

The film’s emotional depth has also struck a chord. The Hollywood Reporter calls it “emotionally charged, visceral, and immersive,” emphasizing how it subverts expectations by focusing on a 12-year-old protagonist, Spike, whose vulnerability and resilience anchor the story. British GQ goes further, describing the film as “one of the most surprisingly moving films you’ll see this year,” with a final act that leaves audiences “an emotional wreck.”

The cast has garnered widespread acclaim, particularly newcomer Alfie Williams as Spike. Critics describe him as a “gem” and “an outstanding new talent” whose performance carries the film’s coming-of-age narrative. Jodie Comer’s portrayal of Isla, Spike’s ailing mother, is lauded for its “openness and vulnerability,” turning the film into a poignant story of maternal love. Ralph Fiennes, playing the enigmatic Dr. Kelson, steals scenes with a “towering” and “scene-stealing” performance, blending wild intensity with intellectual depth. Aaron Taylor-Johnson and Jack O’Connell also shine, with the latter teasing a larger role in the upcoming sequel, 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple.

28 Years Later doesn’t just deliver scares; it’s a meditation on contemporary anxieties. Critics highlight its post-Brexit, post-COVID relevance, exploring themes of isolationism, nationalism, and the human cost of survival. Variety notes that the film “zeroes in on two primal anxieties: fear of death and fear of the other,” while The Guardian sees it as a mix of “folk horror, little-England satire, and a grieving process for all that has been lost.” The inclusion of archival footage, from Laurence Olivier’s Henry V to wartime newsreels, underscores a critique of Britain’s mythologized past, with a nod to Brexit’s isolationist undertones.

While the film has been widely praised, some critics point to its uneven tone and ambitious scope as drawbacks. Vulture describes it as “choppy, muddled, strange, and not always convincing,” suggesting its anthology-like structure—setting up a trilogy—sometimes lacks cohesion. Others, like The Independent, note that the heavy-handed metaphors and stylistic flourishes (like the repeated use of Kipling’s “Boots” poem) can feel overwhelming. Some horror purists have expressed disappointment at the reduced focus on zombie action, with one Letterboxd reviewer lamenting, “Too much human drama, not enough zombie killings.”

IMDb

Unlike its predecessors, 28 Years Later leans into a slower, more reflective pace, blending visceral horror with introspective drama. The infected, while still terrifying, have evolved into new forms—slow-moving “Slow-Lows” and intelligent “Alphas”—adding depth to the franchise’s mythology. The film’s exploration of a post-apocalyptic Britain, with lush landscapes reclaimed by nature, offers a stark contrast to the urban desolation of 28 Days Later. Critics also praise its refusal to feel like a “cynical cash-in,” instead delivering a story that feels relevant and authentic.

The film’s boldest move is its shift toward a coming-of-age narrative, with Spike’s journey serving as a lens to explore loss, identity, and humanity’s resilience. Roger Ebert calls it “a Brothers Grimm vibe” wrapped in a “dewy dream” of verdant imagery, distinguishing it from the franchise’s earlier entries. The haunting “Memento Mori” temple, a skull-adorned monument built by Fiennes’ character, is a standout moment, blending horror with profound compassion.

However, some fans expecting a non-stop thrill ride like 28 Days Later may find the slower pace and emotional focus surprising. As one IMDb reviewer noted, “It’s not what the trailers promised… but it’s a very powerful movie.” With projections estimating a $28-30 million domestic opening weekend, 28 Years Later is poised to make a strong box-office impact, especially as the first of a planned trilogy. The already-shot sequel, The Bone Temple, directed by Nia DaCosta and set for release in January 2026, has fans eagerly anticipating what’s next. If you’re a fan of 28 Days Later or zombie horror in general, 28 Years Later is a must-see for its bold reinvention of the genre. It’s not just about fast-moving infected or gory kills (though there are plenty of those); it’s a deeply human story that tackles big ideas while delivering Boyle’s signature visual energy. For those seeking pure adrenaline, the film’s slower, more sentimental moments might feel jarring, but its stellar performances and thought-provoking themes make it a standout.

Head to theaters this weekend to experience 28 Years Later for yourself, and prepare to be both terrified and moved. As The Daily Mail’s Brian Viner declares, it’s “the best post-apocalyptic survivalist horror-thriller film I have ever seen.” Let us know in the comments what you think of this long-awaited sequel[wide]