28 Years Later is a 2025 post-apocalyptic horror film directed and produced by Danny Boyle, with a screenplay by Alex Garland. It serves as the third installment in the 28 Days Later series, following 28 Days Later (2002) and 28 Weeks Later (2007). The film stars Jodie Comer, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, and others. It was released in theaters on June 20, 2025. A sequel, titled 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple, is scheduled for release in January 2026.
The film centers on the aftermath of the original Rage virus outbreak in 2002. Twenty-eight years after the second outbreak, the virus has been eradicated from continental Europe, but the British Isles remain under indefinite quarantine.
The first act of the film is packed with tension, stunning cinematography, and beautifully crafted world-building. However, the momentum begins to fade in the second half, shifting focus to a melodramatic subplot centered on a father-son relationship. This change in direction introduces unnecessary emotional tension and results in a lackluster payoff that undercuts the film’s initial intensity.
The entire second half of the movie revolves around the search for the long-lost Dr. Kelson, who is believed to have a cure for the mother’s “unknown” disease, despite the fact that she already knew her diagnosis but withheld the truth from her son. I was hoping Dr. Kelson would turn out to be an infected alpha who had lost his mind, which would have added an exciting twist. Instead, his character was completely ordinary and far from the intriguing or awkward presence I expected, making this another major disappointment.
Finally, the film’s climax features a group of Power Ranger, looking bandits who suddenly appear out of nowhere to save the protagonist from an attack, turning what should have been a tense moment into something unintentionally comical. Despite a promising start, with stellar performances in the first half, a solid story, and impressive technical work including creative shot angles, the movie falls apart in the second half. Bizarre characters, poor visuals and sound design, and especially the horrendous costume designs for the Alphas all contribute to a disappointing finish.
I’m truly disappointed to see what started as one of the most promising horror survival films of the year quickly fall flat. I’m hoping the sequel can restore my faith in the franchise and bring back the excitement it once had.
