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28 DAYS LATER Send This Review to a Friend
These days the possibility of viral or other kinds of disasters are far from absurd science fiction. Experiments with germ warfare are hazardous, and the possibility of chemical or nuclear warfare or terrorism is on the agenda. "28 Days Later," written by Alex Garland and directed by Danny Boyle, is an apocalyptic horror tale that grasps one's interest at the outset and gets more and more harrowing. Unfortunately once the major point is made, the film begins to become overkill and more of the same by relying increasingly on standard life and death action battles, albeit in the bizarre setting. Still, the film is a creative metaphor for what could in some form befall society.
The plot begins in a London lab where monkeys are the subjects of experimentation. Animal rights protestors invade and are bent on freeing them. Not heeding the desperate warning of a lab employee that the animals are infected, they proceed and hell breaks loose. The infections result in rage. Once exposed, animals or humans, become vicious, angry killers.
It is into this milieu that Jim (Cillian Murphy) awakes from a coma in a vacant hospital to find a city that is virtually deserted. There is wreckage around him, and what follows is a battle for survival. Naturally, there have to be some humans around, or there would be no story. Some are the infected who will kill anyone encountered. Others, a woman and a father and daughter, become Jim's allies and their adventures mount as they find mutual strength in each other. They, and we, never know when trouble will strike and a series of vicious encounters occurs.
When Jim and Selena (Naomie Harris), together with Hannah (Megan Burns), the daughter--dad (Brendan Gleason) has been expunged along the way--encounter a military group that has taken over a large estate, it looks as if rescue is in the cards. Don't count on it. The film gets even more weird. One predictable human aspect is the affection that blossoms between Jim and Selena.
Boyle and his crew have done a good job creating the atmosphere of a mostly vacant landscape in the city and in the country and communicating the desperation of the survivors. In some ways the tale may remind you of other apocalyptic or horror films. But "28 Days Later" stands solidly on its own. A Fox Searchlight Pictures release.
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