28 Days Later OTT Release: 28 Days Later is a 2002 post-apocalyptic horror film directed by Danny Boyle. Garland took inspiration from George A. Romero’s Night of the Living Dead film series and John Wyndham’s 1951 novel The Day of the Triffids.
28 Days Later was released on 1 November 2002 to critical acclaim and financial success. Grossing more than $84.6 million worldwide on its modest budget of $8 million, it became one of the most profitable horror films of 2002.
The series will be streaming soon on Amazon Prime Video, although no streaming date has yet been finalized.
Plot
The film begins with animal rights activists breaking into a research lab to free chimpanzees used in experiments. Despite warnings from a scientist, the activists release the animals, who have been infected with a highly contagious and aggressive virus known as Rage.
The virus spreads to humans almost instantly through blood or saliva, turning victims into mindless, violent creatures driven by uncontrollable fury. Twenty-eight days after the initial outbreak, Jim, a bicycle courier, awakens from a coma in a deserted London hospital.
Unaware of what has transpired, Jim wanders through eerily empty streets, discovering signs of catastrophe—overturned cars, abandoned buildings, and ominous warnings scrawled on walls.
Jim encounters his first infection in a church, narrowly escaping their attack with the help of Selena and Mark two survivors who explain the devastating effects of the virus.
They inform him that the outbreak has decimated the population, with society collapsing in just a few weeks. The group embarks on a perilous journey across the countryside, facing numerous challenges, including ambushes by the Infected.
Along the way, they confront the emotional toll of their situation. This includes the moments of humanity and hope that contrast the horrors around them.
28 Days Later explores themes of survival, morality, and the fragility of civilization.
The Rage virus serves as a metaphor for uncontrolled aggression and societal breakdown. The film redefined the zombie genre with its fast-moving, terrifying Infected and introduced a raw, visceral style. This influenced countless subsequent films and shows, including The Walking Dead.