You’re pumped for ’28 Years Later,’ and the trailer has your adrenaline pumping, BUT… maybe you haven’t seen the film that started it all? Or maybe it’s been a while and you need a refresher before the sequel hits theaters? Good news! You can now catch “28 Days Later” on Amazon Prime!
While you’re waiting for it to download (or for your popcorn to pop), here are 5 rage-inducing zombie flicks to get you in the mood…
“28 Days Later” – A Quick and Dirty (and Bloody) Recap (Spoiler Alert!)
Released in 2002, “28 Days Later” redefined the zombie genre. Directed by Danny Boyle (of “Trainspotting” fame) and written by Alex Garland (who later directed “Ex Machina” and “Annihilation”), the film throws us into a post-apocalyptic Britain ravaged by the “Rage” virus.
The Story: Animal rights activists unwittingly unleash a highly contagious virus that turns people into rage-fueled monsters. We follow Jim (Cillian Murphy), a bicycle courier who wakes from a coma to find London deserted and overrun by infected. He teams up with Selena (Naomie Harris) and Mark (Noah Huntley) to survive, encountering danger from both the infected and the uninfected alike. (Spoiler Alert!) The film culminates in a harrowing siege at a fortified mansion, where the survivors face a terrifying new threat: soldiers driven mad by isolation and power.
Why it Worked:
- Fast Zombies: Forget shuffling corpses! “28 Days Later” introduced us to infected who sprinted like Olympic athletes, making them truly terrifying.
- The Soundtrack: The film’s use of music, particularly Godspeed You! Black Emperor, creates an unforgettable atmosphere.
- Emotional Impact: “28 Days Later” isn’t just about scares; it explores themes of loss, hope, and the struggle for humanity in desperate times.
- Visual Style: The film’s distinctive visual style, with its desaturated colors and use of slow-motion, adds to its unsettling beauty.
- Gritty Realism: The film’s handheld camera work and bleak setting created a sense of raw immediacy.
- Social Commentary: Beyond the gore, the film explored themes of societal collapse, military power, and the fragility of human nature.
Fun Fact: Despite the iconic red eyes of the infected, the film was shot entirely without CGI! Colored contact lenses and clever lighting achieved the chilling effect.
Now, onto the 5 films that will scratch that “28 Days Later” itch:
Train to Busan (2016): This South Korean masterpiece traps passengers on a high-speed train during a zombie outbreak. It’s a thrilling, emotional rollercoaster with incredible action sequences and surprisingly poignant character development.
REC (2007): This Spanish found-footage horror film follows a reporter trapped in an apartment building with a rapidly spreading virus. Prepare for claustrophobic terror and intense jump scares.
World War Z (2013): While diverging from the source material, this Brad Pitt-led blockbuster delivers large-scale zombie mayhem with impressive visual effects and a globe-trotting storyline.
The Girl with All the Gifts (2016): This British film offers a unique twist on the zombie genre, focusing on a young girl who is immune to the infection. It’s a thought-provoking and emotionally resonant story with a strong female lead.
Dawn of the Dead (2004): Zack Snyder’s remake of the classic George Romero film delivers intense action, gory thrills, and social commentary. It’s a modern zombie classic with memorable characters and iconic scenes.
So there you have it! While we wait for “28 Years Later” to hit the screens, these films will keep your zombie cravings satisfied. Happy viewing (and try not to get bitten)!
