’28 Years Later’ Reviews See the Horror Sequel Reach 95% on Rotten Tomatoes

Horror fans didn’t literally have to wait three decades to witness the long-awaited follow-up to 28 Weeks Later (2007), but it was close. It’s been 18 long years since the Jeremy Renner-led sequel to the original 28 Days Later (2002) hit theaters. However, director Danny Boyle and screenwriter Alex Garland’s return to the film series was not only worth the time lost, but it’s all that much sweeter since the critics are raving about the latest big-screen installment. Currently, 28 Years Later registers an almost perfect — and “Certified Fresh” for that matter — Tomatometer rating of 95% against 82 reviews posted to Rotten Tomatoes. In fact, MovieWeb’s own 28 Years Later review (4.5/5 stars) declares the sequel “is a horror masterpiece that shatters already high expectations.” Read an excerpt from the critique below:

“Boyle and Garland radically shift the plot in the stunning second act. This deviation is a stroke of cinematic genius, and 28 Years Later keeps the audience unsettled by never establishing a set path. The film isn’t just Jamie and Spike battling the unknown as a training mission; there’s also a fascinating analysis of the virus’ aftermath, and how it has affected both survivors and those born in the new world. Nature has overtaken civilization, and the infected have split into different types, each with varying threat levels. Taking shelter in a decrepit house may seem like a good idea — until the foundation starts to rattle.”

’28 Years Later’ Is a Horror Masterpiece that Shatters Already High Expectations

28 years after the Rage Virus apocalypse, Jamie (Aaron Taylor-Johnson) takes his son (Alfie Williams) away from the safety of their island refuge.

28 Weeks Later’s Renner has been replaced by fellow MCU alum Aaron Taylor-Johnson as the sequel’s lead actor. The new story also adds Jodie Comer and Harry Potter’s very own “he who must not be named,” Ralph Fiennes. While Boyle and Garland’s absence in the 2007 sequel, 28 Weeks Later, was noticeable, the horror series has returned to form thanks to their homecoming as director and writer, respectively. As a result, 28 Years Later boasts the best RT score of the entire franchise from the critics. Comparatively, 28 Days Later holds a “Certified Fresh” 87% while 28 Weeks Later only manages a rating of 72%. Spencer Perry writes in ComicBook.com’s 4/5-star review:

“28 Years Later is not only a wholly captivating blockbuster, but one with layers that will keep us talking until the second movie comes out, which is the only trouble.”

Ben Travis of Empire adds:

“With 28 Years Later, Boyle and Garland return to breathe thrilling life back into an overexposed genre. There isn’t an obvious choice in sight.”

Horror Fans’ Patience Pays Off ’28 Years Later’

Ralph Fiennes in 28 Years Later — Sony Pictures

It’s only natural that 28 Years Later’s “dark web page” should provide fans with some semblance of what to expect when they gleefully walk into darkened theaters over the upcoming weekend. However, there was already plenty of excitement surrounding the sequel’s arrival prior to the clues and the nearly perfect Rotten Tomatoes score. 28 Years Later’s box office forecast predicts that Alex Garland and Danny Boyle’s latest contribution to the kick-ass, fast-running zombie saga will make somewhere in the neighborhood of $56 million worldwide over its opening weekend — and why shouldn’t it succeed? The praise being heaped on 28 Years Later is incredible. Meagan Navarro writes in Bloody Disgusting’s review:

“This riveting blend of horror and heart reminds that death, horror’s favorite equalizer, can be as beautiful as it can be cruel.”

Kaitlyn Booth of Bleeding Cool adds:

“28 Years Later is an uncompromising look at how humanity would evolve in a world where some are left behind while everyone else in the world moves on.”

What’s even more remarkable is the minute criticism 28 Years Later is receiving in some cases. Despite not raving about the new horror film, these particular critics are still having a hard time unseeing what Boyle and Garland put on the big screen for diehard fans to enjoy. For instance, Bilge Ebiri didn’t praise the movie the same way others did, but the Vulture contributor might have a hard time closing his eyes after watching the must-see flick. An excerpt from the critique reads as follows:

“28 Years Later is choppy, muddled, strange, and not always convincing. But I’m not sure I’ll ever forget it.”

28 Years Later opens in theaters at long last on Friday, June 20. For those who’ve patiently waited for the latest installment, director Danny Boyle has even revealed how 28 Weeks Later’s post-credits scene plays into the new sequel some 18 years after the last big-screen installment. Now, horror isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, so those more squeamish audiences will have other new titles to choose from over the coming weekend, if they don’t want to try and sit through 28 Years Later, including the family-friendly Elio from Pixar, Rebel Wilson’s Bride Hard, and the Bryan Cranston-led comedy, Everything’s Going to Be Great.

Sources: Rotten Tomatoes, ComicBook.com, Empire, Bleeding Cool, Bloody Disgusting, Vulture