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28 Days Later: A Post-Apocalyptic Horror Classic
In 2002, the world was introduced to “28 Days Later,” a post-apocalyptic horror film directed by Danny Boyle. The film follows a group of survivors in a world overrun by a virus that turns people into aggressive, zombie-like creatures. The film’s title refers to the amount of time it takes for the virus to fully take hold of a person.
“28 Days Later” was praised for its unique take on the zombie genre, which had been popularized in the decades prior to the film’s release. Rather than focusing on slow-moving, brain-eating undead, the film’s infected were fast, aggressive, and deadly. The film also explored themes of isolation, survival, and the breakdown of society in the face of a catastrophic event.
Plot
Outbreak
In “28 Days Later,” a group of animal rights activists breaks into a research facility to free chimpanzees. However, they accidentally release a highly contagious virus known as “Rage.” The virus spreads rapidly throughout the UK, infecting the majority of the population within 28 days.
The virus causes its victims to become aggressive and violent, attacking anyone in their path. The infected are not undead zombies, but rather living humans who have lost control of their emotions. The infected can transmit the virus through bodily fluids, such as blood or saliva.
Survival
The main character, Jim, wakes up from a coma 28 days after the outbreak to find London completely deserted. He eventually meets Selena and Mark, two survivors who have been living in a barricaded apartment complex. They explain to Jim that the infected have taken over the city and that the only way to survive is to avoid them.
The group decides to travel to a military outpost in Manchester, where they hear a radio broadcast claiming that a group of soldiers is working on a cure for the virus. Along the way, they encounter other survivors, including a father and daughter and an elderly couple.
The journey is dangerous, as the group must navigate through a world overrun by the infected. They face numerous challenges, including a group of soldiers who have turned to rape and murder, and a group of infected who have learned how to use weapons.
Despite the obstacles, the group eventually reaches the military outpost, only to discover that the soldiers there are not working on a cure, but rather planning to kill any survivors who arrive. In the end, Jim, Selena, and Hannah, the daughter of the father they met earlier, escape the outpost and continue their journey.
Characters
Jim
Jim is the protagonist of 28 Days Later. He wakes up in a hospital after being in a coma for 28 days and finds London deserted. He is a bicycle courier and a man of action, who is resourceful and determined to survive. He is played by Cillian Murphy, who gives a convincing performance as a man who is struggling to come to terms with the apocalypse.
Selena
Selena is a survivor who teams up with Jim after he rescues her from a group of infected. She is a tough and pragmatic woman who is willing to do whatever it takes to survive. She is played by Naomie Harris, who brings a sense of vulnerability and strength to the role.
Frank
Frank is a father who has lost his wife and daughter to the infection. He is played by Brendan Gleeson, who gives a nuanced performance as a man who is struggling to keep his family together in the face of overwhelming odds. He is a loyal friend to Jim and Selena and provides a sense of stability and hope in the midst of chaos.
Hannah
Hannah is Frank’s daughter, who is played by Megan Burns. She is a young girl who has grown up in a world that has been destroyed by the infection. She is a symbol of innocence and hope in a world that has lost both. She is a strong and resilient character who is determined to survive and rebuild.
Overall, the characters in 28 Days Later are well-drawn and believable. They are all flawed and human, which makes them relatable and engaging. The performances are strong, and the chemistry between the actors is palpable. The characters’ struggles and triumphs are what make the film so compelling and memorable.
1. What is “28 Days Later” about?
“28 Days Later” is a post-apocalyptic horror film released in 2002. It follows the story of Jim, a man who wakes up from a coma in a hospital to find that the world has been devastated by a viral outbreak. He teams up with other survivors to navigate through a zombie-infested London in search of safety and answers.
2. Who directed “28 Days Later”?
“28 Days Later” was directed by Danny Boyle.
3. Is “28 Days Later” a zombie movie?
While “28 Days Later” features zombie-like creatures, it is often categorized as a “zombie” movie. The infected in the film are portrayed as fast-moving, rage-filled individuals, rather than the traditional slow-moving zombies.
4. When was “28 Days Later” released?
“28 Days Later” was released in the United Kingdom on November 1, 2002, and in the United States on June 27, 2003.
5. Who are the main characters in “28 Days Later”?
The main characters in “28 Days Later” include:
– Jim (played by Cillian Murphy): The protagonist, who wakes up from a coma and becomes a survivor in the post-apocalyptic world.
– Selena (played by Naomie Harris): A resourceful survivor who joins forces with Jim.
– Frank (played by Brendan Gleeson): A cab driver who encounters Jim and Selena and provides them shelter.
– Hannah (played by Megan Burns): Frank’s daughter, who also becomes part of the group of survivors.
6. Where was “28 Days Later” filmed?
The movie was primarily filmed in various locations in England, including London and Manchester.
7. Did “28 Days Later” receive positive reviews?
Yes, “28 Days Later” received critical acclaim. It was praised for its intense atmosphere, strong performances, and unique take on the zombie genre.
8. Is there a sequel to “28 Days Later”?
Yes, there is a sequel titled “28 Weeks Later,” which was released in 2007. It takes place after the events of the first film and explores the continued struggle for survival in the infected world.
9. What is the running time of “28 Days Later”?
The running time of “28 Days Later” is approximately 113 minutes.
10. Did “28 Days Later” perform well at the box office?
Considering its modest budget of around $8 million, “28 Days Later” was a commercial success. It grossed over $82 million worldwide.
Please note that the information provided is accurate up until my knowledge cutoff in September 2021.
