Set up in an apocalyptic world, “28 Days Later” is a film about several survivors running away from a swarm of zombies. It is unclear what is the main reason of the catastrophe. All we see is a break-out in a laboratory having an experiment of chimpanzees. But still, it is unclear how it gets transmitted.
Jim wakes up in a hospital after four weeks of the break-out. He finds out that the whole hospital is deserted and so is the whole London. Totally lost in the scenario, he enters a church, hoping for a sanctuary. But instead he finds a group of zombies and worst, the priest is in the club.
This British horror film is unique. The fear drawn is not relying in the soundtrack, which most of horror films do. Rather, you can feel it through the screenplay. The early part the movie immerses us in a deserted city. This takes some time but the feeling is vibrant. You get the feel of being utterly alone. Surprisingly, this does work and same with the succeeding acts.
Jim surveys the deserted London
After Jim escapes the priest, he is accompanied by another survivors to get rid of the remaining zombies. They blow up an entire gasoline station to make sure this happens. As far as planning and long-term goal is concerned, they have nothing except to live each day and wait until the zombies die. Although I have to agree that going to a grocery store without having to pay your goods is surely fun.
The film, as wikipedia would describe, achieved “a critical and commercial success”. This was of course with a reason. Later in the film, Jim and his fellow survivors reach a military camp. They of course anticipates protection but soon they get harassment and abuse, which I believe the primary theme of the movie. Like the book “Lord Of The Flies”, this film shows how a human is capable of breaking the boundaries of morality just to get his own personal desires.
As stated earlier, this film is unique or in other words it is different. However, the film is flawed and is not really a competitor in today’s films. But still, it is worth watching. You just have to get used on the director’s style.
Get ready to board “28 Days Later” express. Destination? Utter Horror.
I watched 28 Weeks Later. Average.
I heard there was a sequel called “28 Weeks Later”. Have you watched it as well? How was it?
Read my comment, dear. I wrote “I watched 28 Weeks Later”, the sequel. It was average type of movie. I’d rate “Dawn of the Dead” or “Shaun of the Dead” or “Devil’s Playground” better than “28 Weeks Later”.
I’ve heard mixed reviews about this one. Some people love it others don’t. Will have to check it out someday