It may only be 23 years since audiences were first captivated by director Danny Boyle’s groundbreaking post-apocalyptic film, 28 Days Later, but the anticipation surrounding its sequel, 28 Years Later, is palpable. With the film set to explore what life looks like decades after the outbreak of the Rage Virus, fans can expect not just a continuation of the story, but a deeper examination of its implications.
Boyle revisits his original cinematic style while also embracing a new, ambitious approach. The director recently mentioned that they employed a widescreen format for this sequel, emphasizing how this choice elevates the tension and uncertainty. "If you’re on a widescreen format, they could be anywhere," Boyle explained. Viewers will have to remain vigilant, scanning the screen for the fast-moving "infected," a hallmark of the original film.
The upcoming 28 Years Later boasts an impressive cast including Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Jodie Comer, and Alfie Williams. Boyle aims to balance the grander scope with the small, character-driven moments that defined the first film’s success. He also seeks to introduce new and unsettling depictions of the infected, in keeping with the film’s horror roots.
Reflecting on the years since 28 Days Later, Boyle and writer Alex Garland have often contemplated the story’s evolution. At a recent revival screening, Boyle was astonished by the film’s enduring popularity. This rekindled interest provided them a perfect opportunity to further explore their narrative. "Each time we had a kind of feeling like that, Alex and I would get together and we’d talk about doing a furtherance of it in some way," Boyle recalled.
Initially, ideas for a new installation ran into the expected pitfalls of sequels—government weaponization of the virus, military apocalypses, and the like. These conventional paths did not inspire either Boyle or Garland. Ultimately, they chose to pivot from the traditional narrative of global infection, focusing instead on a singular British experience. They drew from real-world events, including the ramifications of Brexit, offering a nuanced exploration of societal fragmentation.
"That’s what you use these films for," Boyle stated. "They’re not lectures… but they do reflect… where you are and what’s happened to you as individuals and as people.” 28 Years Later begins in a secluded island community, isolated from the infected chaos of the mainland, allowing for a rich exploration of human behavior under duress.
Cinematography is another area where 28 Years Later takes bold steps. The original had a raw, homemade feel partly due to its digital video grain. Boyle intends to carry this ethos forward. "We decided to carry it as an influence," he said, noting that the ubiquitous nature of smartphones will be mirrored in their production techniques. They’ve experimented with utilizing multiple iPhones— sometimes deploying 20 simultaneously— to capture the atmosphere of dystopic confrontation.
Borrows from cinematic technology create an immersive viewing experience, employing a unique 2.76:1 widescreen ratio that’s often reserved for epic filmmaking. This choice compounds the horror as audiences return to a world ravaged by the Rage Virus. Boyle worked closely with cinematographer Anthony Dod Mantle, aiming for innovative shooting techniques that maintain a high level of engagement.
By attaching cameras to actors and utilizing drone technology, the production strives to provide a comprehensive view of the unfolding apocalypse. The intention is not just to astound but also to maintain an emotional connection with the characters. "You feel like you’re in the room with Jodie Comer and her son, venting her rage," Boyle elaborated, emphasizing the real-time immersion the film aims to achieve.
Boyle’s collaborative relationship with Garland also plays a critical role in the development of the film’s unique narrative. While the focus is firmly on character, action still forms a strong backbone of the plot. "He always balances that with character," Boyle noted, stressing that their approach combines both visceral and cerebral elements.
This dual focus creates a participatory viewing experience, where audiences are not merely passive observers but active participants in the unfolding drama. This tension between external chaos and internal human struggle captures the essence of what made 28 Days Later resonate.
Moving towards the film’s conclusion, Boyle teased that 28 Years Later would be unlike anything audiences might expect. "It’s challenging, the film," he admitted, affirming his pride in the project’s unique narrative choices.
In essence, 28 Years Later is not just a sequel; it is a thoughtful reflection of societal transformation against the backdrop of an unthinkable horror. It promises to delve deeper into the psyche of individuals grappling with adversity while still delivering the visceral thrill that fans of the original crave.
With its release date of June 20 looming, fans of 28 Days Later can look forward to a film that both honors its predecessor and expands upon it in significantly meaningful ways. As director Boyle himself puts it, "It’s not what you’ll expect at all."
