28 Days Later Revisit: A Low-Budget Catalyst to the Zombie Genre
Copyright © Sony Pictures, Columbia Pictures, Fox Searchlight Pictures, 20th Century Fox
Title: 28 Days Later
Director: Danny Boyle
Release Date: November 1, 2002
Not only do we have the Paddington movies, but we have something from way earlier. It had a cheap budget, but it astoundingly broke out with a good box office gross and reputation. Likewise, it's even getting an upcoming sequel in June. Today's movie that we are revisiting is 28 Days Later, the iconic 2000s flick that changed stories of zombies. Despite its $8 million budget, it gained a big gross of $84.6 million worldwide. Critic and audience reviews were so overwhelmingly positive that it even turned into a franchise. Because of its story and disturbance, we have to thank 28 Days Later for letting the chimps take the zombie genre to the next level.
Not only do we have the Paddington movies, but we have something from way earlier. It had a cheap budget, but it astoundingly broke out with a good box office gross and reputation. Likewise, it's even getting an upcoming sequel in June. Today's movie that we are revisiting is 28 Days Later, the iconic 2000s flick that changed stories of zombies. Despite its $8 million budget, it gained a big gross of $84.6 million worldwide. Critic and audience reviews were so overwhelmingly positive that it even turned into a franchise. Because of its story and disturbance, we have to thank 28 Days Later for letting the chimps take the zombie genre to the next level.
Summary
"A group of misguided animal rights activists free a caged chimp infected with the "Rage" virus from a medical research lab. When London bike courier Jim (Cillian Murphy) wakes up from a coma a month after, he finds his city all but deserted. On the run from the zombie-like victims of the Rage, Jim stumbles upon a group of survivors, including Selena (Naomie Harris) and cab driver Frank (Brendan Gleeson), and joins them on a perilous journey to what he hopes will be safety." - Google
"A group of misguided animal rights activists free a caged chimp infected with the "Rage" virus from a medical research lab. When London bike courier Jim (Cillian Murphy) wakes up from a coma a month after, he finds his city all but deserted. On the run from the zombie-like victims of the Rage, Jim stumbles upon a group of survivors, including Selena (Naomie Harris) and cab driver Frank (Brendan Gleeson), and joins them on a perilous journey to what he hopes will be safety." - Google
Reasons
The best resources we have to thank 28 Days Later for are the story, jumpscares, and execution. Unlike other zombie movies, this one has a more unique take on how the Rage virus will start. Even better, the movie explored themes about survival and human nature, up to the point where it gained a 2020 status due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The story actually inspired others to make their own zombie media. To follow, the jumpscares were actually scary for their time. They aren't the same ones scattered all over the place. The movie did its best by placing them out of nowhere. Before the next paragraph, the execution is terrific. Its director, Danny Boyle, used raw cinematography and lore options for a more chilling experience. You can tell that this film is disturbing, but in the very best way possible.
Other good things from 28 Days Later are the characters, visuals, and soundtrack. All of the characters were constructed in a way to make you feel bad for them. Also, the cast did spectacularly in the roles they were assigned. Aside from our relatable protagonist Jim, you also have the strong love interest Selena, the taxi driver Frank, the daughter Hannah, and the early victim, Mark. Next, the visuals are striking in comparison to other horror films. Instead of just a normal camera, it uses videotapes and dream sequences to reflect on the Rage situation. Although the movie is $8 million, the film figured out ways to make their visuals look disturbing. Finally, it has an iconic soundtrack. Numerous tracks, like An Ending (Ascent) by Brian Eno and In a House - In a Heartbeat by John Murphy, fit the tones the scenes are feeling. The best one would be A.M. 180 by Grandaddy because it made the grocery store scene iconic.
Conclusion
In short, we have to thank 28 Days Later for a more disturbingly awesome level on the zombie genre. Compared to other horror films, it uses a unique take on its kind of story, along with striking execution. It also has character-driven drama and an iconic soundtrack. If it weren't for this film, we would not have The Walking Dead or The Last of Us. Definitely check this out while waiting for 28 Years Later. You won't regret it.
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