A visceral, paranoia-fueled zombie frenzy – of the punk rock variety, 28 Years Later makes for a worthy and welcome return to the iconic horror franchise. Danny Boyle’s signature kinetic style is once again a thrill to behold on screen. His vivid imagery, frantic editing, and dynamic camerawork plunge viewers into a raw, immersive viewing experience from the get-go. Trust me, the tension is palpable throughout, delivering the pulse-pounding intensity fans have come to expect. But, what sets this installment apart is its willingness to evolve (just as the zombies have). The film splits pretty cleanly into two halves: the first leans heavily into survival horror, while the second shifts into more emotionally rich, character-driven drama. At times, it flirts with being overly sentimental, but it’s grounded by thoughtful explorations of grief, legacy, and the desperate need for connection in a broken world. Luckily, the cast sells every beat. Alfie Williams is a standout, delivering a hauntingly mature performance as a 12-year-old navigating trauma and identity. Aaron Taylor-Johnson and Jodie Comer are solid and emotionally anchored, while Ralph Fiennes quietly steals scenes with a performance that’s equal parts unsettling and captivating. As for the infected—they remain grotesque, terrifying, and, well, brutally effective. Their presence onscreen reignites the sense of unrelenting danger that defined the earlier films. And with an ending that leaves just enough intrigue in the air, one can only hope we won’t have to wait 28 years for the next chapter.