By Charlie Kendellen
Danny Boyle’s follow up to his grimy cult classic has just dropped in cinemas last weekend, already grossing 60 million worldwide, leaving fans eagerly waiting for its second and third installment. 28 Years Later is a masterclass in world building, an immersive, gory journey film that features Boyle’s signature grit and innovative, pulpy style of editing.
The film features an ensemble cast including Jodie Comer (Killing Eve, The Last Duel), Aaron
Taylor-Johnson (Nosferatu, Tenet), Ralph Fiennes (Conclave, The Menu), Jack O’Connell (Sinners, Eden Lake), and a breakout performance from young Alfie Williams. Alex Garland’s influence in the writing room is evident, as the film features set pieces that play out more like a video game than a film, but it surprisingly works well with the narrative.
Danny Boyle has already established himself as an underdog in a sea of formulaic Hollywood flicks with his diverse filmography, including Trainspotting (1996), Slumdog Millionaire (2008), and 127 Hours (2010), among others. Boyle’s signature MTV-style editing, with rapid, jump cuts and nausea-inducing handheld cinematography is at its best here. Impressively, Boyle is still finding fresh, innovative ways to shoot a scene even with a career spanning over three decades.
The film poses existential questions about mortality, utilising Fiennes’ character as a means of educating the audience about the dystopian world the characters are living in — even delivering a heartfelt message in the third act.
28 Years Later wastes no time building up momentum from the opening scene, and wildly, never loses steam. Already proving to be a colossal commercial success, the film has confirmed two more parts, 28 Years Later Part 2: The Bone Temple is scheduled for release next year and is being directed by Nia DaCosta (Candyman, The Marvels), Cillian Murphy will be reprising his role as Jim for the coming sequel.
28 Years Later is in cinemas from the 20th of June.