Time: 99 Minutes
Age Rating: R18 – contains graphic violence & offensive language
Cast:
Robert Carlyle as Don
Rose Byrne as Scarlet
Jeremy Renner as Doyle
Harold Perrineau as Flynn
Imogen Poots as Tammy
Mackintosh Muggleton as Andy
Catherine McCormack as Alice
Idris Elba as Stone
Director: Juan Carlos Fresnadillo

Continuing my preparation for 28 Years Later, I rewatched 28 Weeks Later which I remember quite liking when I first watched it years ago. I think there was even a time in which I liked it more than the original film. While I still liked it on the second viewing, it definitely held up a lot less, especially when watching it soon after revisiting the original movie.

28 Weeks Later follows on from the concept of the 28 Days Later, but is largely standalone, not addressing the events or characters from that first movie. Many have said that the movie really peaks in its opening scene, and I agree with that; it felt in line with the first movie, it was impactful and intense, and it was actually directed by Danny Boyle (who of course made the first film). The rest of the movie has its bright spots too, but never really reaches that height again. For the next thirty minutes it kind of drags and it doesn’t pick up until the outbreak begins. A big problem is that the emotional core wasn’t all that great. The characters are pretty thin here, especially when compared to the last movie, and you don’t like them as much. If you hate horror movies which have characters making dumb decisions, you’ll struggle with this one, especially when it comes to the two kid characters. I just found it difficult to be invested in the characters or plot. I wouldn’t say that the movie doesn’t have social commentary but it’s not as present as in the last movie. That being said, it’s not without some high points. 28 Weeks Later takes some big swings, and I can respect it for that even if not a lot of it works. While the larger budget does allow for more action sequences of zombies attacking and being mowed down, it also allows for more intensity and brutality. I admire just how mean this movie is especially with it killing off characters, it almost felt relentless and overwhelming. If anything, if 28 Weeks Later leaned into the bleakness and hopelessness more, I think it might’ve worked better.

There’s a great cast here with the likes of Jeremy Renner, Rose Byrne, Imogen Poots, and Idris Elba. They at least deliver some solid work, although they clearly aren’t working with the best material. Out of the whole cast, it’s really Robert Carlyle who leaves the strongest impression, he is fantastic in his scenes.

Juan Carlos Fresnadillo takes over Danny Boyle as director and while his work is decent, you definitely notice a downgrade despite the larger budget. You definitely feel the increased scale, it is expansive and everything is more polished and less grimy compared to the last movie. If you were underwhelmed by the small number of zombie sequences in 28 Days Later, you’ll probably be satisfied with the amount here. There are plenty of sequences of fast zombies with great effects and gore, and it doesn’t hold back in being absolutely gnarly. It effectively conveys the large chaos within the city outbreak, there are intense moments and plenty of entertaining sequences. John Murphy once again composes the score and it is amazing, that music does a lot of heavy lifting in the movie. Other aspects aren’t handled as well. The scenes set at night are difficult to watch, as are the scenes making use of shaky cam and handheld cameras.

28 Weeks Later definitely isn’t on the level of the previous film, but is still a decent enough zombie movie. The cast is solid and there are some entertaining sequences. If you liked 28 Days Later, it’s worth checking out at the very least.