28 Days Later

Sad, lonely and depressing. 28 Days Later explores a grounded reality of what would occur within the beginning stages of a deadly virus outbreak. From the jump we are thrown into a vast emptiness that extenuates the feeling of disaster. When Cillian Murphy wakes up he’s greeted to a ghost town, everyone completely gone. The world on pause. Throughout this we follow him through what remains, landscapes of nothing, everything and everyone destroyed, on fire, or dead. Melancholic music floats around in the background, building the severity of the situation — giving an introspective feel into the head of a hurt, and confused man. We explore loss, and grief. When he visits his parents and learns of their fate. Or when we meet well purposed people, who only want to survive. Latching on, and trying to hold on together. Death is imminent, and they know it. This film wasn’t meant to be another zombie film, I believe it was a look into human nature. The utmost dangerous thing above all, is one another. When the cast group at the soldiers compound, it doesn’t take long before we know something is wrong. Despite being able to lean onto the shoulders of strangers prior, not everyone has good intentions.  In the beginning of the film the scientist who warns the protestors states that the monkeys were infected with “rage”. I believe this is where the movie directs into its themes. The virus is symbolism for the rapid, uncontrollable emotional spread of all the living humans. How long does it take for one person to snap? Knowing everyone is dead or going to die? Exposed to fear and isolation, knowing the world gave up on them. It’s no wonder morality shifts so quickly, In just 28 days…  • Story / Plot: 7.25 • World Building / Setting: 7.75 • Characters: 6.5 • Writing / Structure: 7.5 • Performances: 7.75 • Craft / Presentation: 6 • Concept / Originality: 6  • Pacing: 6.75 • Ending / Resolution: 7 • Personal Enjoyment: 7 Average Rating: 6.95 Horror Rating: 7.00 Final Rating: 7.00