Understanding Why the New Zombie Movie is Titled ’28 Years Later’ Instead of ’28 Months Later’

After a lengthy hiatus, renowned filmmaker Danny Boyle and writer Alex Garland have made their grand return to the world of 28 Days Later with the highly anticipated film, 28 Years Later. This installment intriguingly overlooks the previously conceptualized 28 Months Later, jumping straight to this new narrative. The journey began in 2002 when Boyle, a then-emerging director, collaborated with novelist Garland to produce 28 Days Later. Featuring a relatively unknown Cillian Murphy, the film redefined the zombie genre by presenting rage-infected humans rather than the traditional living dead, blending elements of horror with psychological tension.

Although modest in scale, 28 Days Later created a substantial impact on the cinematic landscape, catapulting the careers of its creators and actors. It is often cited as a significant catalyst for the surge of fast-paced zombie films in the 21st century. Beyond introducing horrifying foes, the film is celebrated for its gripping narrative and stellar performances, making it a thrilling exploration of societal collapse. Five years later, 28 Weeks Later continued the franchise, but the absence of 28 Months Later led many to believe the series had run its course. Now, with 28 Years Later, fans are eager to see where the story leads next.

What Is 28 Years Later About?

Setting of 28 Years Later: An Isolated Village

Soldier looking scared beside an abandoned train car

The new film takes place 28 years after the outbreak of the Rage Virus, which initially devastated England and later spread across the European continent. Following the crisis, the UK government collapsed, leaving other nations in turmoil or under strict lockdown. A faction within the UK has managed to endure by retreating to a fortified island, isolated from the chaos.

The story focuses on a father and son from this secluded community, who embark on a daring mission to the mainland. What they discover there is a mix of awe-inspiring wonders and terrifying horrors, far removed from their sheltered existence. This time, the ensemble cast includes notable names such as Jodie Comer, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Ralph Fiennes, and Jack O’Connell, though Cillian Murphy will not reprise his role from the original film.

Why Isn’t It Called 28 Months Later?

Title Change: From 28 Months Later to 28 Years Later

Aaron Taylor-Johnson in action in 28 Years Later

The decision to skip 28 Months Later in favor of 28 Years Later may appear unusual, especially since it’s been less than 28 years since the debut of the original film. Writer Alex Garland initially expressed interest in the title 28 Months Later, stating to IGN back in 2015:

“It’s more likely to be 28 Months than 28 Years. 28 Years gives you one more place to go. 28 Decades is probably taking the piss.”

While at first, Garland envisioned more sequels stemming from the 28 Days Later narrative, his focus has shifted over the years. More recently, he noted (via Inverse):

“But a few years ago an idea materialized in my head for what would be really 28 Years Later. Danny always liked the idea.”

This evolution in Garland’s perspective suggests that the narrative merits the passage of time, and 28 Months Later was ultimately set aside to focus on the next transitional phase of this cinematic universe.

How The Time Gap Affects the Film

28 Years Later: A Post-Apocalyptic Survival Film

Ralph Fiennes in a haunting landscape in 28 Years Later

The shift from 28 Months Later to 28 Years Later significantly alters the film’s thematic direction. The first film presented a tragedy unfolding in real-time, showcasing the onset of the outbreak and the subsequent decline of society. In comparison, 28 Weeks Later continued the narrative of disaster and chaos. Had it been set just two years after the initial outbreak, 28 Months Later would have similarly centered on immediate crisis. However, by placing the film nearly three decades later, 28 Years Later distinctly transitions into the realm of post-apocalyptic survival cinema.

This time lapse allows for a contemplative exploration of how society has adapted to the existence of the infected, distinguishing it from the frantic pacing of its predecessors. The tone is expected to bear resemblance to the acclaimed series The Last of Us, allowing the story to unfold with greater depth and complexity compared to the relentless adrenaline of the earlier films.

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