After generating significant anticipation among fans and critics alike, 28 Years Later has received rave reviews from leading industry experts, achieving an impressive certified fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes. This latest installment in the franchise marks Danny Boyle’s much-anticipated return, delivering a gripping and emotionally resonant sequel that artfully intertwines visceral horror with profound character-driven narratives.
Critics Praise Aaron Taylor-Johnson’s Performance in 28 Years Later
Danny Boyle’s 28 Years Later has garnered extensive critical acclaim as it approaches its anticipated release date on June 20, 2025, positioning itself as a standout in contemporary horror cinema.
Jonathan Sim from ComingSoon.net awarded the film a score of 7/10, describing it as a “bold horror experience” filled with “images that are truly nightmare fuel.” He commended the performances of Jodie Comer and Alfie Williams, emphasizing their impactful portrayals. Additionally, Sim praised the innovative use of iPhone cinematography, calling its seamless integration with traditional filming techniques “astounding,” showcasing a fresh approach to visual storytelling.
Perri Nemiroff expressed her enthusiasm, dubbing the film “well worth the wait,” and noted that the lengthy gap between installments has contributed positively to the storyline. She highlighted its “unexpected turn that’s staggeringly refreshing and effective,” giving it an impressive rating of 4.5/5. Meanwhile, Bill Goodykoontz from the Arizona Republic referred to it as a “technical marvel,” asserting, “Boyle controls every frame – don’t let the mind-bending chaos of the chase scenes fool you,” also awarding it a 4.5/5.
Matt Singer of ScreenCrush described 28 Years Later as proof that “a great zombie series refuses to die,” giving it a rating of 7/10. Rocco T. Thompson from Slant Magazine observed that its portrayal of the future “looks back to humankind’s primeval past,” rating it 3/4. Philip De Semlyen of Time Out characterized the film as a reinvention of the zombie genre, claiming that Boyle transforms the horror film “into a bloody pop-art installation,” giving it a score of 3/5.
Jake Coyle from the Associated Press found the film to be “an unusually soulful coming-of-age movie considering the number of spinal cords that get ripped right out of bodies.” Alonso Duralde from The Film Verdict noted the maturity of the directors, stating that “they’ve figured out a way to check off the boxes of thrills and gore and suspense while also finding something real to say about perseverance, hope, and love.”
Richard Lawson of Vanity Fair commented on the film’s “grim and strange” quality, pointing out that Boyle is “once again following the irregular rhythms of his brain,” suggesting that the film maintains his unique artistic signature while exploring profound themes.
28 Years Later Achieves the Highest Rating Among Franchise Films on Rotten Tomatoes
Currently, 28 Years Later boasts an impressive 95% critics score on Rotten Tomatoes, derived from 87 reviews, making it the highest-rated film within the franchise. For comparison, 28 Days Later (2002) holds an 87% score, while 28 Weeks Later (2007) has a 72% rating.
All three films in the franchise are certified Fresh, but 28 Years Later stands out with the greatest critical acclaim. Critics have lauded its stunning visuals, intricate character development, and thought-provoking themes. Directed by Danny Boyle and penned by Alex Garland, the film features standout performances from Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Jodie Comer, and Alfie Williams, all contributing to its success and appeal.
Originally reported by Anubhav Chaudhry on SuperHeroHype.
