28 Days Later (2002) is a British post-apocalyptic survival horror film directed by Danny Boyle and written by Alex Garland.
The film stars Cillian Murphy as Jim, a bicycle courier who awakens from a coma to find that a highly contagious virus has ravaged the United Kingdom, leading to societal collapse. The virus, which induces extreme aggression, was accidentally released from a laboratory where experiments were conducted on infected chimpanzees. The film explores Jim's journey as he navigates a desolate London, encountering both the infected and other survivors.
Filming took place in various locations across the UK in 2001, with a modest budget of approximately $8 million. Despite its low budget, 28 Days Later achieved significant commercial success, grossing over $84 million worldwide. The film's unique approach to the zombie genre, characterized by its fast-running infected and a focus on character-driven drama, reinvigorated interest in horror films and influenced many subsequent works. Its atmospheric cinematography, shot using digital video, contributed to the film's gritty realism, while John Murphy's haunting score added to its emotional impact.
Upon its release on November 1, 2002, 28 Days Later received critical acclaim, with many reviewers praising Boyle's direction, Garland's screenplay, and the performances of the cast, particularly Murphy and Naomie Harris. The film holds a 7.5/10 rating on IMDb and has been featured in numerous "best-of" lists, solidifying its status as a modern classic in the horror genre.
The success of 28 Days Later led to the creation of a sequel, 28 Weeks Later (2007), and a third installment, 28 Years Later, which is currently in development. Additionally, the film has expanded into other media, including graphic novels and comic book series, further exploring its narrative universe. The film's themes of survival, the fragility of civilization, and the human condition resonate strongly, particularly in the context of contemporary global crises, making it a relevant and impactful work even years after its release.