28 Days Later (2002)

Score: 7 / 10
Category: Movie
Platform: Netflix

One-line verdict

A grounded, unsettling take on the genre with a brilliant setup and a version of “zombies” that still feels fresh.

What worked

• The setup is amazing. Shooting central London empty, without special effects, just by filming early in the morning, gives the movie a raw and surreal feel.
• The premise stands out. Instead of traditional flesh-eating zombies, the infected are humans driven by rage, and they can die if they don’t eat. That small change makes a big difference.
• Cillian Murphy is completely believable here. He wasn’t a star yet, and that actually helps. Waking from a coma into the end of the world feels genuinely disorienting and real.
• The atmosphere is strong throughout, and the sense of isolation and danger never feels artificial.

What broke

• While the premise is unique, zombie movies were already everywhere at the time, so it still has to fight genre fatigue.
• Some later sections lean more toward familiar survival beats rather than pushing the concept further.
• It doesn’t quite reach “top tier” status, but it never drops the ball either.

What others are saying

• Often praised for redefining the modern zombie movie.
• Frequently cited for its atmosphere, infected concept, and bleak tone.
• Seen as influential, even by people who don’t normally enjoy the genre.

Why this worked for me

What really stuck with me is how real everything feels. The empty city, the confusion, and the slow realisation that the world has ended all land effectively.

The infected being driven by rage instead of hunger gives the movie its own identity, and the fact that they’re still human makes it more disturbing. Add solid performances, a good story, and a satisfying ending, and it earns its place comfortably.

This is a strong 7 for me. Not perfect, but memorable, effective, and still holds up.