MOVIE REVIEW: We see if zombies are still all the rage in horror sequel '28 Years Later'
It's been 18 years since 28 Weeks Later hit cinemas and in that time the zombie genre has been, pardon the pun, done to death - in film and TV.
Director and writer Danny Boyle and Alex Garland faced a challenge, then, to inject fresh blood into the returning franchise.
They manage to achieve this through engaging storytelling and character development that get ever more wild as events proceed.
Jamie (Aaron Taylor-Johnson) and his son Spike (Alfie Williams) are part of group of survivors of the rage virus living on a small island.
The pair head to the mainland on a mission that leads to self-discovery and mystifying secrets.
In terms of style and execution, Years is a very different movie to its predecessors and Boyle and Garland bravely don't rest on their laurels by taking a few chances.
From the brisk, nail-biting opening being introduced by the Teletubbies' hopeful spiel on a TV, Boyle gets very creative behind the camera.
He hasn't lost the ability to shoot a white-knuckle-ride set-piece either; zombies pursuing Jamie and Spike across the causeway is suspense at its finest.
The sound design and music are hypnotically superb, with the chilling use of Rudyard Kipling's poem Boots found in the flick's trailer a welcome inclusion.
It's hard to fault any of the performances either. Taylor-Johnson and Williams share a tight-knit, loving bond that is put to the test, Jodie Comer has many poignant moments as Jamie's wife Isla, Ralph Fiennes ( Dr Kelson) is a magnetic, enigmatic presence and Christopher Fulford's Sam is a calming, down-to-Earth companion.
I had heard the climax was insane and divisive - and boy, is it - but I'm willing to see what the second part of Boyle's new trilogy - January's The Bone Temple - delivers before passing too much judgement.
Because, as a whole, 28 Years Later is a wonderfully directed, mesmerizing return to a rage-filled world not shy of hope, personal growth and madness in all its forms.
● What is your favourite film in the zombie series?
P op me an email at ian.bunting@reachplc.com and I will pass on your comments – and any movie or TV show recommendations you have – to your fellow readers.
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● 28 Years Later is showing in cinemas now.
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