July 7, 2025
Zombie Renaissance: Survival and Sentiment in '28 Years Later'
In this episode of *Movies First*, Alex First delves into the highly anticipated sequel *28 Years Later The episode highlights the film's innovative take on the zombie genre, showcasing a diverse array of Infected, from slow, crawling creatures to...
In this episode of *Movies First*, Alex First delves into the highly anticipated sequel *28 Years Later
The episode highlights the film's innovative take on the zombie genre, showcasing a diverse array of Infected, from slow, crawling creatures to agile, terrifying foes. Alex discusses the standout antagonist, Sampson, played by Chai Lewis Parry, and the film's bold narrative choices, including a shocking scene of a zombie giving birth that expands the established mythology.
Ralph Fiennes' performance as Dr. Kelson adds depth to the story, as he helps Spike on a perilous journey across the mainland, emphasizing the film's blend of family drama and horror. The host appreciates the high production values that convincingly depict a post-apocalyptic Britain, while also praising Alfie Williams' emotional depth and maturity in his role.
As they dissect the film's themes of survival and coming of age, Alex notes the controversial ending that sets the stage for potential sequels, sparking debate about its tonal consistency. Despite mixed reactions to the finale, the film earns a commendable rating of 7.5 out of 10, proving that meaningful storytelling still thrives within the zombie genre. Join Alex as he unpacks *28 Years Later*, a film that not only delivers thrills but also resonates with genuine emotional weight.
https://www.bitesz.com/podcast/movies-first
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WEBVTT
0
00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:02.960
Alex First: The long awaited continuation of the zombie franchise
1
00:00:03.120 --> 00:00:06.000
brings together original collaborators Alex
2
00:00:06.000 --> 00:00:08.840
Garland and Danny Boyle for 28 years
3
00:00:08.840 --> 00:00:11.680
later, marking their reunion 23
4
00:00:11.680 --> 00:00:14.520
years after the release of 28 Days
5
00:00:14.520 --> 00:00:17.360
Later. Garland, known for ex
6
00:00:17.360 --> 00:00:20.240
machina, and Boyle, celebrated for slum
7
00:00:20.240 --> 00:00:23.120
dog millionaire, return to a United Kingdom
8
00:00:23.120 --> 00:00:25.680
that has been devastated by the Rage virus,
9
00:00:26.100 --> 00:00:28.700
which originally escaped from a biological weapons
10
00:00:28.700 --> 00:00:31.220
laboratory nearly three decades ago.
11
00:00:32.420 --> 00:00:35.380
The story unfolds on a small island community
12
00:00:35.620 --> 00:00:38.220
connected to the quarantined mainland by a
13
00:00:38.220 --> 00:00:41.220
causeway that's only accessible during low tide.
14
00:00:41.620 --> 00:00:44.580
This isolated sanctuary operates like a
15
00:00:44.580 --> 00:00:47.300
society from the turn of the 20th century,
16
00:00:47.540 --> 00:00:50.340
lacking modern amenities and medical resources.
17
00:00:50.900 --> 00:00:53.620
The narrative centers on 12 year old spike
18
00:00:53.850 --> 00:00:56.760
Port, portrayed by newcomer Alfie Williams, who
19
00:00:56.760 --> 00:00:58.480
lives with his father Jamie
20
00:00:59.840 --> 00:01:02.400
and his gravely ill mother Isa,
21
00:01:03.440 --> 00:01:06.080
who frequently succumbs to delusions due to her
22
00:01:06.080 --> 00:01:09.080
condition. The film's emotional core
23
00:01:09.080 --> 00:01:11.920
develops through Jamie's efforts to prepare his son for
24
00:01:11.920 --> 00:01:14.240
survival in this harsh new world.
25
00:01:15.120 --> 00:01:17.520
This preparation culminates in a significant
26
00:01:17.760 --> 00:01:20.360
rite of passage where father and son
27
00:01:20.360 --> 00:01:23.030
venture to the mainland armed with bows and
28
00:01:23.030 --> 00:01:25.470
arrows for Spike's first encounter with the
29
00:01:25.710 --> 00:01:28.710
Infected. However, what should have
30
00:01:28.710 --> 00:01:31.350
been a triumphant return to celebrate Spike's
31
00:01:31.350 --> 00:01:34.070
achievement becomes a turning point when he
32
00:01:34.070 --> 00:01:36.670
witnesses an event that profoundly affects him.
33
00:01:37.310 --> 00:01:40.230
The zombie elements in the film showcase remarkable
34
00:01:40.230 --> 00:01:43.110
variety and innovation. The Infected appear
35
00:01:43.110 --> 00:01:45.790
in different forms. Some are fat and slow,
36
00:01:45.870 --> 00:01:48.830
crawling along the ground, while others demonstrate
37
00:01:48.830 --> 00:01:50.790
frightening agility and speed.
38
00:01:51.830 --> 00:01:54.790
A standout antagonist is Sampson, played by
39
00:01:54.790 --> 00:01:57.630
Chai Lewis Parry, described as a mountain
40
00:01:57.630 --> 00:02:00.550
of a former man. The film pushes
41
00:02:00.550 --> 00:02:03.509
genre boundaries by including unprecedented
42
00:02:03.509 --> 00:02:06.310
scenes such as a zombie giving birth, adding
43
00:02:06.310 --> 00:02:09.270
new dimensions to the established mythology. Ralph
44
00:02:09.270 --> 00:02:11.750
Fiennes delivers a compelling performance
45
00:02:12.150 --> 00:02:14.880
as Dr. Kelson, a UH survivor who has
46
00:02:14.880 --> 00:02:17.800
managed to establish a life on the mainland despite
47
00:02:17.880 --> 00:02:20.560
the constant threat of the Infected. His
48
00:02:20.560 --> 00:02:23.200
character has constructed an impressive
49
00:02:23.200 --> 00:02:26.120
bone temple to honor those who have fallen,
50
00:02:26.520 --> 00:02:29.160
adding a layer of philosophical contemplation
51
00:02:29.479 --> 00:02:31.240
to the apocalyptic setting.
52
00:02:32.280 --> 00:02:34.600
When Spike decides to seek Dr.
53
00:02:34.600 --> 00:02:37.480
Kelson's help for his ailing mother, the
54
00:02:37.480 --> 00:02:40.040
narrative transforms into a dangerous
55
00:02:40.040 --> 00:02:42.600
journey across zombie infested territory.
56
00:02:43.770 --> 00:02:46.090
The production values throughout the film are
57
00:02:46.090 --> 00:02:48.890
consistently high, creating a convincing
58
00:02:48.890 --> 00:02:51.730
post apocalyptic Britain. Alfie
59
00:02:51.730 --> 00:02:54.490
Williams performance as Spike is particularly
60
00:02:54.490 --> 00:02:57.250
noteworthy, displaying an emotional depth and
61
00:02:57.250 --> 00:03:00.050
maturity beyond his years. Aaron
62
00:03:00.050 --> 00:03:02.770
Taylor Johnson brings an appropriate edge to Jamie's
63
00:03:02.770 --> 00:03:05.650
character, while Jodie Comer infuses Isla
64
00:03:05.650 --> 00:03:08.610
with warmth and humanity when she joins Spike on their
65
00:03:08.610 --> 00:03:10.810
perilous journey to find Dr. Kelson.
66
00:03:11.590 --> 00:03:14.230
The film successfully balances intimate family
67
00:03:14.230 --> 00:03:17.110
drama with horror elements, making it more
68
00:03:17.110 --> 00:03:18.790
than just another zombie movie.
69
00:03:19.910 --> 00:03:22.870
At its heart, it's a coming of age story about
70
00:03:22.870 --> 00:03:25.590
a family facing extraordinary adversity.
71
00:03:25.750 --> 00:03:28.150
The relationship dynamics and character development
72
00:03:28.550 --> 00:03:31.230
remain central even as the threat of the
73
00:03:31.230 --> 00:03:33.750
infected looms constantly in the background.
74
00:03:34.230 --> 00:03:37.070
While the majority of the film maintains a strong and
75
00:03:37.070 --> 00:03:39.780
consistent tone, the ending has proven
76
00:03:39.780 --> 00:03:42.700
controversial. The finale takes a
77
00:03:42.700 --> 00:03:45.500
significant shift in direction, clearly
78
00:03:45.500 --> 00:03:48.100
setting up potential sequels or even a
79
00:03:48.100 --> 00:03:50.900
trilogy. Some viewers might find
80
00:03:50.900 --> 00:03:53.780
this conclusion overly dramatic and tonally
81
00:03:53.780 --> 00:03:55.740
inconsistent with the rest of the film.
82
00:03:56.460 --> 00:03:59.140
However, this departure doesn't significantly
83
00:03:59.140 --> 00:04:01.740
diminish the overall quality of the movie,
84
00:04:01.980 --> 00:04:04.740
which succeeds in bringing fresh perspective to the
85
00:04:04.740 --> 00:04:07.660
zombie genre. With an MA rating and
86
00:04:07.660 --> 00:04:09.974
earning a seven and a half out of 10,
87
00:04:10.106 --> 00:04:13.060
28 years later demonstrates that there's still
88
00:04:13.060 --> 00:04:15.900
room for meaningful storytelling in the zombie
89
00:04:15.900 --> 00:04:18.780
genre. The film's strength lies in
90
00:04:18.780 --> 00:04:21.300
its ability to combine horror elements with
91
00:04:21.380 --> 00:04:24.100
genuine emotional depth, creating a
92
00:04:24.100 --> 00:04:26.700
narrative that resonates beyond its genre
93
00:04:26.700 --> 00:04:29.420
conventions. Despite the divisive
94
00:04:29.420 --> 00:04:32.270
ending, the Journey proves both engaging and and
95
00:04:32.270 --> 00:04:35.030
emotionally satisfying, suggesting that the
96
00:04:35.030 --> 00:04:37.990
28 days later universe still has compelling
97
00:04:37.990 --> 00:04:38.870
stories to tell.
0
00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:02.960
Alex First: The long awaited continuation of the zombie franchise
1
00:00:03.120 --> 00:00:06.000
brings together original collaborators Alex
2
00:00:06.000 --> 00:00:08.840
Garland and Danny Boyle for 28 years
3
00:00:08.840 --> 00:00:11.680
later, marking their reunion 23
4
00:00:11.680 --> 00:00:14.520
years after the release of 28 Days
5
00:00:14.520 --> 00:00:17.360
Later. Garland, known for ex
6
00:00:17.360 --> 00:00:20.240
machina, and Boyle, celebrated for slum
7
00:00:20.240 --> 00:00:23.120
dog millionaire, return to a United Kingdom
8
00:00:23.120 --> 00:00:25.680
that has been devastated by the Rage virus,
9
00:00:26.100 --> 00:00:28.700
which originally escaped from a biological weapons
10
00:00:28.700 --> 00:00:31.220
laboratory nearly three decades ago.
11
00:00:32.420 --> 00:00:35.380
The story unfolds on a small island community
12
00:00:35.620 --> 00:00:38.220
connected to the quarantined mainland by a
13
00:00:38.220 --> 00:00:41.220
causeway that's only accessible during low tide.
14
00:00:41.620 --> 00:00:44.580
This isolated sanctuary operates like a
15
00:00:44.580 --> 00:00:47.300
society from the turn of the 20th century,
16
00:00:47.540 --> 00:00:50.340
lacking modern amenities and medical resources.
17
00:00:50.900 --> 00:00:53.620
The narrative centers on 12 year old spike
18
00:00:53.850 --> 00:00:56.760
Port, portrayed by newcomer Alfie Williams, who
19
00:00:56.760 --> 00:00:58.480
lives with his father Jamie
20
00:00:59.840 --> 00:01:02.400
and his gravely ill mother Isa,
21
00:01:03.440 --> 00:01:06.080
who frequently succumbs to delusions due to her
22
00:01:06.080 --> 00:01:09.080
condition. The film's emotional core
23
00:01:09.080 --> 00:01:11.920
develops through Jamie's efforts to prepare his son for
24
00:01:11.920 --> 00:01:14.240
survival in this harsh new world.
25
00:01:15.120 --> 00:01:17.520
This preparation culminates in a significant
26
00:01:17.760 --> 00:01:20.360
rite of passage where father and son
27
00:01:20.360 --> 00:01:23.030
venture to the mainland armed with bows and
28
00:01:23.030 --> 00:01:25.470
arrows for Spike's first encounter with the
29
00:01:25.710 --> 00:01:28.710
Infected. However, what should have
30
00:01:28.710 --> 00:01:31.350
been a triumphant return to celebrate Spike's
31
00:01:31.350 --> 00:01:34.070
achievement becomes a turning point when he
32
00:01:34.070 --> 00:01:36.670
witnesses an event that profoundly affects him.
33
00:01:37.310 --> 00:01:40.230
The zombie elements in the film showcase remarkable
34
00:01:40.230 --> 00:01:43.110
variety and innovation. The Infected appear
35
00:01:43.110 --> 00:01:45.790
in different forms. Some are fat and slow,
36
00:01:45.870 --> 00:01:48.830
crawling along the ground, while others demonstrate
37
00:01:48.830 --> 00:01:50.790
frightening agility and speed.
38
00:01:51.830 --> 00:01:54.790
A standout antagonist is Sampson, played by
39
00:01:54.790 --> 00:01:57.630
Chai Lewis Parry, described as a mountain
40
00:01:57.630 --> 00:02:00.550
of a former man. The film pushes
41
00:02:00.550 --> 00:02:03.509
genre boundaries by including unprecedented
42
00:02:03.509 --> 00:02:06.310
scenes such as a zombie giving birth, adding
43
00:02:06.310 --> 00:02:09.270
new dimensions to the established mythology. Ralph
44
00:02:09.270 --> 00:02:11.750
Fiennes delivers a compelling performance
45
00:02:12.150 --> 00:02:14.880
as Dr. Kelson, a UH survivor who has
46
00:02:14.880 --> 00:02:17.800
managed to establish a life on the mainland despite
47
00:02:17.880 --> 00:02:20.560
the constant threat of the Infected. His
48
00:02:20.560 --> 00:02:23.200
character has constructed an impressive
49
00:02:23.200 --> 00:02:26.120
bone temple to honor those who have fallen,
50
00:02:26.520 --> 00:02:29.160
adding a layer of philosophical contemplation
51
00:02:29.479 --> 00:02:31.240
to the apocalyptic setting.
52
00:02:32.280 --> 00:02:34.600
When Spike decides to seek Dr.
53
00:02:34.600 --> 00:02:37.480
Kelson's help for his ailing mother, the
54
00:02:37.480 --> 00:02:40.040
narrative transforms into a dangerous
55
00:02:40.040 --> 00:02:42.600
journey across zombie infested territory.
56
00:02:43.770 --> 00:02:46.090
The production values throughout the film are
57
00:02:46.090 --> 00:02:48.890
consistently high, creating a convincing
58
00:02:48.890 --> 00:02:51.730
post apocalyptic Britain. Alfie
59
00:02:51.730 --> 00:02:54.490
Williams performance as Spike is particularly
60
00:02:54.490 --> 00:02:57.250
noteworthy, displaying an emotional depth and
61
00:02:57.250 --> 00:03:00.050
maturity beyond his years. Aaron
62
00:03:00.050 --> 00:03:02.770
Taylor Johnson brings an appropriate edge to Jamie's
63
00:03:02.770 --> 00:03:05.650
character, while Jodie Comer infuses Isla
64
00:03:05.650 --> 00:03:08.610
with warmth and humanity when she joins Spike on their
65
00:03:08.610 --> 00:03:10.810
perilous journey to find Dr. Kelson.
66
00:03:11.590 --> 00:03:14.230
The film successfully balances intimate family
67
00:03:14.230 --> 00:03:17.110
drama with horror elements, making it more
68
00:03:17.110 --> 00:03:18.790
than just another zombie movie.
69
00:03:19.910 --> 00:03:22.870
At its heart, it's a coming of age story about
70
00:03:22.870 --> 00:03:25.590
a family facing extraordinary adversity.
71
00:03:25.750 --> 00:03:28.150
The relationship dynamics and character development
72
00:03:28.550 --> 00:03:31.230
remain central even as the threat of the
73
00:03:31.230 --> 00:03:33.750
infected looms constantly in the background.
74
00:03:34.230 --> 00:03:37.070
While the majority of the film maintains a strong and
75
00:03:37.070 --> 00:03:39.780
consistent tone, the ending has proven
76
00:03:39.780 --> 00:03:42.700
controversial. The finale takes a
77
00:03:42.700 --> 00:03:45.500
significant shift in direction, clearly
78
00:03:45.500 --> 00:03:48.100
setting up potential sequels or even a
79
00:03:48.100 --> 00:03:50.900
trilogy. Some viewers might find
80
00:03:50.900 --> 00:03:53.780
this conclusion overly dramatic and tonally
81
00:03:53.780 --> 00:03:55.740
inconsistent with the rest of the film.
82
00:03:56.460 --> 00:03:59.140
However, this departure doesn't significantly
83
00:03:59.140 --> 00:04:01.740
diminish the overall quality of the movie,
84
00:04:01.980 --> 00:04:04.740
which succeeds in bringing fresh perspective to the
85
00:04:04.740 --> 00:04:07.660
zombie genre. With an MA rating and
86
00:04:07.660 --> 00:04:09.974
earning a seven and a half out of 10,
87
00:04:10.106 --> 00:04:13.060
28 years later demonstrates that there's still
88
00:04:13.060 --> 00:04:15.900
room for meaningful storytelling in the zombie
89
00:04:15.900 --> 00:04:18.780
genre. The film's strength lies in
90
00:04:18.780 --> 00:04:21.300
its ability to combine horror elements with
91
00:04:21.380 --> 00:04:24.100
genuine emotional depth, creating a
92
00:04:24.100 --> 00:04:26.700
narrative that resonates beyond its genre
93
00:04:26.700 --> 00:04:29.420
conventions. Despite the divisive
94
00:04:29.420 --> 00:04:32.270
ending, the Journey proves both engaging and and
95
00:04:32.270 --> 00:04:35.030
emotionally satisfying, suggesting that the
96
00:04:35.030 --> 00:04:37.990
28 days later universe still has compelling
97
00:04:37.990 --> 00:04:38.870
stories to tell.
