NEW YORK, June 19, 2025
Zombie Franchise Returns
Danny Boyle’s “28 Years Later,” teh first installment of a new trilogy, has strong reviews, with a 95% on Rotten Tomatoes.
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“28 Years Later” boasts a 95% on Rotten Tomatoes.
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Metacritic gives it a 78/100.
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The film is expected to have a strong opening weekend.
The return of the “28 Days Later” universe is here, and critics are buzzing about “28 Years Later.” The film, directed by Danny Boyle, has already garnered important attention, scoring a solid 95% on Rotten Tomatoes. This puts it ahead of the original “28 Days Later,” which earned 87%, and its sequel, “28 Weeks Later,” which scored 72%.
On Metacritic, “28 Years Later” scores a 78/100 from 31 reviews. This is higher then the original film’s 73/100 and places it at number five in Boyle’s filmography, with “Slumdog Millionaire” at the top with 84/100.
Compared to other acclaimed zombie projects, the film falls behind the two seasons of HBO’s “The Last of Us,” which scored 84/100 and 81/100 on Metacritic, and aligns with the 95% score of “Train to Busan” on Rotten Tomatoes.
What are critics saying about “28 Years Later?”
Here’s a taste of what the critics are saying, giving us a glimpse of the film’s depth and appeal.
“It never feels like a cynical attempt to revisit proven material merely for commercial reasons. Instead, the filmmakers appear to have returned to a story whose allegorical commentary on today’s grim political landscape seems more relevant than ever.” – David Rooney, THR
“Boyle and Garland’s return to the franchise seems deliberately set on reinventing as many cliches as it can, while also exploding our assumptions about what a zombie movie might be.” – Liz Shannon Miller, Consequence
“Typically, we look to adrenaline-fueled entertainment for catharsis. Boyle’s thrilling reboot offers enlightenment as well.” – Peter DeBruge, Variety
“Wildly unexpected for a film that’s been promised for so long, this tense and tender post-apocalyptic drama contends that to exist in denial of death is to corrupt the integrity of life itself.” – David Ehrlich, indiewire
“The filmmakers haven’t redefined the zombie genre, but they’ve refocused their own culturally significant riff into a lush, captivating epic that has way more to say about being human than it does about (re-)killing the dead.” – william Bibbiani, The Wrap
“28 Years Later is a post-Brexit, Covid-conscious take on this world, with ideas about nationalism, isolationism, and weaponised culture added to the mix. but it’s punchy and simple once again.” – Clarisse Loughrey, Autonomous
“This riveting blend of horror and heart reminds that death, horror’s favorite equalizer, can be as beautiful as it can be cruel.” – Megan Navarro, Bloody disgusting
“28 Years Later is choppy, muddled, strange, and not always convincing. But I’m not sure I’ll ever forget it.” – Bilge Ebiri, Vulture
“28 Years Later tries hard to outpace the original film and keep up with the culture at large, but rather it lumbers slowly behind.” – Rafer Guzman, Newsday
The film is predicted to earn $28-30 million domestically and $56 million worldwide during its opening weekend.
The anticipation surrounding “28 Years later” isn’t just about jump scares; it’s about how effectively the film will tackle the themes that made the original so impactful. The narrative’s exploration of societal breakdown adn survival – a core element of the series since its inception – remains pivotal. “28 Years later” delves into themes of societal collapse, mirroring contemporary anxieties about global instability and highlighting the human struggle for survival. Director Danny Boyle and screenwriter Alex Garland set out to craft more than just a zombie thriller; they wanted a story reflecting anxieties about the human condition.
The original “28 Days Later” used the zombie outbreak as a vehicle to critique societal failings. This included issues like government overreach and the fragility of civilization. The sequel expanded on this,touching on themes of resource scarcity and the ethics of quarantine. The new film promises to continue this tradition, perhaps examining modern issues like xenophobia and the consequences of political division. These elements are crucial for both critical and audience acclaim, as the film’s success hinges, in part, on its ability to resonate with current events.
Much of the series’ success lies in its grounded approach to the zombie narrative. The infected aren’t supernatural; they’re the amplified expressions of human rage. This makes the horror far more immediate and relatable. Audiences quickly understand that the real threat isn’t just the infected, but also the breakdown of social order and the moral compromises people make to survive.
“28 Years Later” will need to recapture this intensity, while also presenting fresh insights into the human condition.The film’s focus on post-Brexit and Covid-conscious themes indicates a willingness to engage with recent history, making it a reflection of our times. The critical reception indicates a strong push to move the franchise in new and relevant directions.
Here are some key takeaways from the film’s thematic potential:
- Societal Commentary: Expect the film to mirror contemporary anxieties, much like its predecessors did.
- Human Nature: The series has always focused on the choices made by survivors.
- Relevance: Themes of isolation and social division.
the success of “28 Years Later” in navigating these sensitive areas will ultimately determine its success and its impact on the genre.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What makes the “28 Days Later” series thematically relevant?
A: The series uses the zombie outbreak to explore the consequences of societal breakdown, the fragility of human connection, and the ethical dilemmas arising during times of crisis.
Q: Will “28 Years Later” have the same societal criticism?
A: early reviews suggest that it will, tackling issues like nationalism, isolation, and weaponized culture, offering a fresh take on the original’s core themes.
Q: How might “28 Years Later” compare to modern zombie projects?
A: While “28 Years Later” shares the same DNA with other modern zombie flicks, a key difference is the franchise’s focus on high-speed, rage-fueled infected that challenges common tropes of the genre.
