28 Years Later X Review: Ralph Fiennes and Aaron Taylor-Johnson Hailed in Instant Classic

The highly anticipated sequel, 28 Years Later, marks the third entry in Danny Boyle’s acclaimed post‑apocalyptic series, following the original 28 Days Later (2002) and its follow‑up 28 Weeks Later (2007). After years in development, Boyle returns to direct with original writer Alex Garland, alongside cinematographer Anthony Dod Mantle. Filming took place across the UK, including remote coastal and rural locations, with parts shot using an iPhone 15 Pro Max to evoke a raw, gritty aesthetic. The movie premiered on June 20, 2025, launching with a reported production budget around $60 million and a global box office nearing $6 million.

Plot and Characters

Set nearly three decades after the Rage virus outbreak, the film shifts focus to survivors seeking refuge on a tidal island off the British coast. The narrative follows a father, Jamie (Aaron Taylor‑Johnson), his son Spike (Alfie Williams), and Jamie’s ailing mother Isla (Jodie Comer), as they journey to the mainland in search of a doctor. Along the way, they encounter wheelchair‑reliant survivors and other figures like a charismatic cult leader (Jack O’Connell), all while grappling with mutated forms of the virus and remnants of society’s collapse.

Style, Themes, and Reception

Boyle and Garland embrace a blend of visceral horror and social commentary. Visuals shift between handheld iPhone footage and sweeping cinematography, capturing a rewilded Britain filled with tension and decay. The narrative incorporates folk horror influences, examining themes such as cultural memory, authoritarian cults, and societal reconstruction. A particularly striking character—a cult leader echoing real-world figures—has sparked conversation about morality and memory in times of crisis.

Critics have responded with mixed to positive opinions. Some praise its emotional depth, strong performances (especially Comer, Williams, and Fiennes), and bold vision, while others critique its uneven pacing, tonal shifts, and cliffhanger ending.

Audience Reaction and Franchise Outlook

Early previews have energized fans: social media commentary highlights a gripping opening act and immersive tension, though not all are convinced by its coherence . Viral memes speculating about the return of original star Cillian Murphy—possibly in connection to the trailer’s eerie glimpses—have further fueled intrigue, though his confirmed involvement hangs largely on future installments.

The film acts as the first chapter in a new trilogy. Its sequel, titled 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple, was filmed concurrently by director Nia DaCosta and is set for release in January 2026. A third part is also in development, continuing the franchise into a richer thematic structure.

28 Years Later revitalizes Boyle’s iconic series with a fresh narrative lens, deeply human characters, and striking cinematography. While its emotional complexity and stylistic ambition earn acclaim, some critics note inconsistencies in tone and structure. As the precursor to a second sequel, it both honors franchise roots and sets up fertile ground for future storytelling—providing a compelling new chapter in the evolution of modern horror cinema.