The 2025 film "28 Years Later," directed by Danny Boyle and written with Alex Garland, has received a mix of praise and criticism. It is seen as a divisive and polarizing follow-up to the original, with strong opinions on both sides. Positive aspects include:
- Technical strengths such as cinematography, atmosphere, and sound design
- Bold and fresh artistic vision with cerebral and existential themes
- Strong performances, especially from Jodie Comer and Alfie Williams
- A unique take that moves away from typical zombie horror toward something more philosophical and thought-provoking
Negative critiques focus on:
- A weak and uneven story, particularly in the second half
- A tonal shift from thrilling horror to melodramatic human drama
- Pacing issues and an unsatisfying or incomplete ending
- Alienation of fans expecting more continuity and traditional horror
Overall, "28 Years Later" is described as a film that sacrifices nostalgia for artistic ambition, trading cheap thrills for existential dread and thematic depth. It is considered visually striking and thematically rich, although not everyone will appreciate its abstract narrative and pacing. The film sets up a trilogy, concluding mid-story and leaving some narrative threads unresolved.
