📽 Rage is the only constant in this ever-changing world. Oscar-winning British director Danny Boyle takes us back to post-apocalyptic Britain with 28 Years Later — the third installment in the horror franchise that kicked off in 2002 with 28 Days Later, and returned later in 2007 with 28 Weeks Later. How has the world fared since then? Well, it’s not peaches and roses; we’ll tell you that.

First things first, what happened 28 years ago? When two English scientists attempted to find a cure for anger control issues after crime rates skyrocketed across the UK, they fumbled the ball…big time. Apes carrying the “rage” virus spread it to humans like wildfire, and soon enough, the entire population of the country began displaying symptoms reminiscent of the Ebola virus, with 10 times the rage and the added side-effect of essentially being zombies.

The film takes place on Holy Island off the UK coast years after the outbreak. We meet our cast of survivors, including the young Spike (Alfie Williams), his father Jamie (Aaron Taylor-Johnson), and his ill mother Isla (Jodie Comer). When the time comes for Spike to join his father on a zombie hunt on the most dangerous part of the island, they cross paths with quite the suspicious individual, Dr. Ian Kelson (Ralph Fiennes). Spike sets his suspicions aside in hopes that Kelson might be able to cure his mother. Our young protagonist then decides to bring her to Kelson in secret, but the trip doesn’t go as planned.

When compared to its predecessors, differences in the nature of the story and the plot become apparent. Screenwriter Alex Garland chose to have the film focus more heavily on character development rather than shock value. Unlike the first two films, the infected have become more in control of their movements over the years. Humans have also gotten smarter when it comes to navigating the ever-looming threat. The entire cast delivered stellar performances — particularly Fiennes.

Boyle took a risk — and it paid off. The British director is no stranger to experimental filmmaking, having filmed 28 Days Later on digital cameras for an eerie effect that doubles down on the horror. This time around, Boyle opted to film with iPhones, which proved easier to operate, especially considering the nature of the shooting locations.

Some aspects of the plot just don’t make sense, but then again, it’s a horror-fantasy. The filmmakers brought back an incredible franchise, with hints towards yet another upcoming installment picking up where 28 Years Later leaves off. Is 28 Years Later the best in the franchise? Perhaps not, but it stands out for its attempt to dissect the human psyche.

A friendly warning: 28 Years Later isn’t family friendly, to say the least. The film is heavy on the gore, and may not suit certain audiences.

WHERE TO WATCH- 28 Years Later is currently screening at Vox Cinemas in City Center Almaza, Mall of Egypt, and City Center Alexandria. You can also catch the film at CFCM and District 5’s Scene Cinemas, Cima Arkan, and Zawya. You can watch the trailer on YouTube (runtime: 2:12).

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