28 days later is a really cool sci-fi thriller. set in modern london a virus has spread across the country in a matter of just 28 days, and before the t.v. and radio stopped broadcasting there were rumors that the infection had spread to parts of paris and new york. the virus is spread through the blood, and a person can become infected in a matter of seconds. the infected twitch, and hiss, and shriek as they run around in a blind rage killing or infecting anyone that comes across their path.
the story centers on the survivors of this world. one of whom was in a coma prior to the outbreak, and so wakes up not knowing anything about the rampant virus. the others have survived these 28 days by killing whoever they needed to in order to stay alive.
the plot really draws the audience into the story, because it is one of those stories that doesn’t seem so far fetched. also the characters are easy to identify with, and care about because they are normal people, not heros going around trying to save the world, these people are just trying to survive day to day. we also get to see that even though they live in this terrible world, they are still human. there are still a few jokes, and the characters laugh and play and love, when they aren’t being chased by the infected of course. 
the cinematography is awesome. having been to london, i can tell you that seeing the normally bustling streets silenced and empty in this movie is striking. i know they must have digitally edited some scenes to make this possible, but it still looks great.
the movie’s message seems to be that in a world infected with rage, the only way to survive is to work together, but that this is easier said then done when trust, and trustworthy people are in such short supply.
there are a few oddities that may irk the realist in you, so let me warn you about them first, so you can get them out of the way and enjoy the movie. people becoming infected raging, spitting, lunatics in a matter of seconds upon contact with the pathogen seems pretty far fetched. also apparently the infected for the most part don’t like sunlight, this doesn’t really get explained, nor does it hold exactly true through out the movie. also it isn’t clear why the infected only want to kill the non-infected and never one another.
some notables from the website on the upcoming DVD release:
- alternate ending
- audio commentary
- deleted scenes
sounds like it will be worth a rent when that comes out.
Why do they avoid sunlight and only try to kill the non-infected?
Because they’re zombies and the “infected” don’t have brains to eat. It’s a remake of “Night of the Living Dead”.
(I swear!)