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There might be some SPOILERS included
Speaking of films about lone survivors amidst a zombie apocalypse... 28 Days Later follows Jim (Cillian Murphy), a bicycle messenger that awakens from a coma only to find himself in the middle of deserted London after a disastrous zombie outbreak. As he realizes what has happened, he has to learn to survive but also whether to trust others. Eventually, he is joined by Selena (Naomie Harris), and then Frank (Brendan Gleeson) and his daughter Sarah (Megan Burns). But can he trust them? Can they trust him?
It had been a while since I had seen this film, but it was certainly nice to revisit. Director Danny Boyle has a great eye to capture certain iconic shots, especially during the moments where Jim explores the deserted streets of London. He also does a great job of combining long shots and pans, with more frantic, handheld camera movement for the zombie attacks. And speaking of zombie attacks, this is one of the first instances where "fast zombies" are featured, and the result is definitely intense and nerve-wracking.
Another great asset to the film is its strict three-act structure. After a somewhat intense first act, Boyle uses the second act to lull the audience into a false sense of security that we know won't last, and it certainly doesn't once our survivors find a purported military sanctuary led by Major Henry West (Christopher Eccleston). You don't have to be an expert to figure out that things don't go out well, for one reason or another.
My recollection of my last viewing of this was that it kinda fell apart in that last act. This rewatch certainly improved my perception of it, even if I'm not completely on board with it. Not that I don't think it would happen, but our survivors stumbling upon a bunch of horny soldiers with an established plan to perpetuate humankind, in some ways feels like a different kind of film.
This last act also brings to the surface a couple of other weaknesses in the film. For example, the way the roles are flipped between Jim and Selena regarding who's the "badass" and who's the "helpless one" felt a bit jarring to me. This reminds me of other logistical issues I have during the first two acts: like, why aren't there any bodies or blood all through the hospital or outside as Jim explores the deserted streets? why only a drop of blood in Frank's eye is enough to turn him, and yet these soldiers are blowing up "infected" with all their guts raining over them but nothing happens?
But it's all cool. The deserted streets scene is iconic for a reason, and the contrivances of Frank's final moments are saved by the strong emotional core that Boyle builds during that second act. That, and the always dependable Gleeson. All of the performances are great, and like I said, Boyle directs the whole thing with an intensity and relentlessness that makes for a harrowing experience.
Grade:
28 DAYS LATER
(2002, Boyle)
A film from the 2000s • A film about a virus
(2002, Boyle)
A film from the 2000s • A film about a virus
"There is no infection. Just people killing people."
There might be some SPOILERS included
Speaking of films about lone survivors amidst a zombie apocalypse... 28 Days Later follows Jim (Cillian Murphy), a bicycle messenger that awakens from a coma only to find himself in the middle of deserted London after a disastrous zombie outbreak. As he realizes what has happened, he has to learn to survive but also whether to trust others. Eventually, he is joined by Selena (Naomie Harris), and then Frank (Brendan Gleeson) and his daughter Sarah (Megan Burns). But can he trust them? Can they trust him?
It had been a while since I had seen this film, but it was certainly nice to revisit. Director Danny Boyle has a great eye to capture certain iconic shots, especially during the moments where Jim explores the deserted streets of London. He also does a great job of combining long shots and pans, with more frantic, handheld camera movement for the zombie attacks. And speaking of zombie attacks, this is one of the first instances where "fast zombies" are featured, and the result is definitely intense and nerve-wracking.
Another great asset to the film is its strict three-act structure. After a somewhat intense first act, Boyle uses the second act to lull the audience into a false sense of security that we know won't last, and it certainly doesn't once our survivors find a purported military sanctuary led by Major Henry West (Christopher Eccleston). You don't have to be an expert to figure out that things don't go out well, for one reason or another.
My recollection of my last viewing of this was that it kinda fell apart in that last act. This rewatch certainly improved my perception of it, even if I'm not completely on board with it. Not that I don't think it would happen, but our survivors stumbling upon a bunch of horny soldiers with an established plan to perpetuate humankind, in some ways feels like a different kind of film.
This last act also brings to the surface a couple of other weaknesses in the film. For example, the way the roles are flipped between Jim and Selena regarding who's the "badass" and who's the "helpless one" felt a bit jarring to me. This reminds me of other logistical issues I have during the first two acts: like, why aren't there any bodies or blood all through the hospital or outside as Jim explores the deserted streets? why only a drop of blood in Frank's eye is enough to turn him, and yet these soldiers are blowing up "infected" with all their guts raining over them but nothing happens?
But it's all cool. The deserted streets scene is iconic for a reason, and the contrivances of Frank's final moments are saved by the strong emotional core that Boyle builds during that second act. That, and the always dependable Gleeson. All of the performances are great, and like I said, Boyle directs the whole thing with an intensity and relentlessness that makes for a harrowing experience.
Grade: