28 days later review

28 Days Later is a British post-apocalyptic science fiction horror film, directed by Danny Boyle, who is notable for directing Trainspotting. The film starts with an opening scene of an animal rights group breaking into a highly securitised science lab and releasing captivated chimps, unaware of the consequences, the released chimps hold a virus known as ‘Rage’, capable of destroying the entire human race. 28 days pass by and the movie presents a character waking up in a desolated hospital, confused, hungry and eager to find out what has happened, he finds himself walking through the empty streets of London, only to see the disturbing truth around the corner.

28 Days Later is an original zombie movie which separates itself from the common zombie genre. It provides a plausible explanation of the virus’ breakout in just a few minutes from the start of the movie, and places the viewer into the position of character Jim (played by Cillian Murphy) who has also yet to discover the new London. 28 Days Later is capable of shocking the viewer in numerous ways, the zombies’ incredible speed, the hate that is portrayed by the zombies’ actions, the suspense that is consistently maintained throughout the film, and the ambushing of the zombies which makes you apprehensive and anxious to see the survival instincts of the characters which is a never-let-down to all viewers. There is no unnecessary violence in the movie as everything is portrayed in a position where probability is the answer – If the events were to happen, the violence portrayed are most likely to happen, given the circumstances. Everything is shown accurately and as a result, it puts the viewer right into the realism that the movie depicts, or rather, it throws you in a state of panic within a position of adrenaline-rushing commotion.

What is the story really about? Is it about zombies and the struggle for survival? Or is it a reflection on how we humans behave in certain situations, using violence as our solution. However you want to see it, the movie starts with a chimp in an imprisoned room being streamed with videos of the human behaviour that separates us from other animals, acting on unreasonable impulses that are caused by the emotion we take for granted, hate. War, riots and other events that are fuelled by hate and rage are shown from the video. The video is significant to the story and is only to be brought back to once the main characters finally reach their so-called safe zone at the British Army’s Base. A memorable quote can be recited which reinforces the theme of the film “This is what I've seen in the four weeks since infection. People killing people. Which is much what I saw in the four weeks before infection, and the four weeks before that, and before that, and as far back as I care to remember. People killing people. Which to my mind, puts us in a state of normality right now”. Moments later, the comparison of the zombies and the actions of the British Army become clear and throws Jim, Selena and Hannah back into the survival game. This becomes an excellent recipe to maintain the suspense and as a whole, it is a beautiful chaotic scene, an embodiment of panic itself.

Now finally, aside the acting and the tremendous cinematography, comes the soundtrack. The soundtrack is superbly made, aiding the visuals with a powerful theme, an astounding aspect which only improves other elements in the film, such as highlighting the characters’ fast-paced struggle of escape. It brings about and enhances emotion of the most thrilling events in the film, conveying the right frame of mind for such scenarios which ultimately creates an exhilarating atmosphere, and brings forth the satisfaction of an anticipated finale.