28 Weeks Later... (2007)

71% of critics liked it
(187 reviews)
66% of users liked it
(604,294 ratings)

The devastating rage virus that annihilated the British Isles mysteriously resurfaces in Goya Award-winning director Juan Carlos Fresnadillo's sequel to the Danny Boyle-directed horror hit that terrified audiences worldwide by offering a breathless new take on the familiar zombie mythos. Six months… More The devastating rage virus that annihilated the British Isles mysteriously resurfaces in Goya Award-winning director Juan Carlos Fresnadillo's sequel to the Danny Boyle-directed horror hit that terrified audiences worldwide by offering a breathless new take on the familiar zombie mythos. Six months has passed since the rage virus caused British residents to indiscriminately murder and destroy everything in their paths, and now the U.S. military has declared victory in the war against the rapidly spreading infection. As the reconstruction process gets underway and the first wave of refugees return to British shores, a family separated by the devastation is happily reunited. During the initial outbreak, Don Harris (Robert Carlyle) and his wife Alice (Catherine McCormack) sat holed up with a small band of survivors in a remote farmhouse. Their kids well out of harm's way at a remote boarding school, Don and Alice's outlook for the future is decidedly bright until all hell breaks loose in the country and Don just barely manages to escape the clutches of the infected. The joy of later seeing his son Andy (Mackintosh Muggleton) and daughter Tammy (Imogen Poots) as repopulation efforts get underway in London is short-lived, however, when an innocent bid to reconnect with the past sets into motion a tragic series of events. Now, just as society struggles to sort through the rubble and rebuild London from the ground up, the virus that nearly destroyed a nation strikes back with a vengeance. Jeremy Renner, Rose Byrne, and Harold Perrineau, Jr. co-star in the frightful sequel, which highlights the dangers of declaring victory in the calm before the storm. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi

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Rating, Runtime: R, 1 hr. 39 min.
Directed By: Juan Carlos Fresnadillo
Written By: Juan Carlos Fresnadillo, Roland Joffé, Jesus Olmo, Rowan Joffe
Genres: Horror, Mystery & Suspense, Science Fiction & Fantasy

In Theaters: May 11, 2007 Wide
On DVD: Oct 9, 2007
Studio: Fox Atomic

Critic Reviews

Lou Lumenick, New York Post
It's an exciting, well-directed thriller that, while providing more than enough action and gore to satisfy genre fans, also offers the political commentary that has characterized zombie movies.
Rex Reed, New York Observer
There isn't much acting here, but there is entirely too much vomiting, and the prose turns laughably purple, too.
Richard Roeper, Ebert & Roeper
Even though I knew the scares were coming, I jumped out of my seat a few times.
Tom Charity, CNN.com
Combines traditional B-movie virtues -- economy, invention, sinewy narrative spine -- with the eerily resonant spectacle of a 21st-century metropolis stripped of its citizenry.
Claudia Puig, USA Today
Relentlessly grim and grisly, 28 Weeks Later is not for the faint of heart. But its provocative post-apocalyptic theme makes for a smart and deeply unsettling film.
Geoff Pevere, Toronto Star
A fiercely effective broadening and deepening of the first movie's premise.
Jeff Meyers, Metro Times (Detroit, MI)
With its expertly paced thrills, unrelenting terror and apocalyptic despair, 28 Weeks Later ain't a bad roller coaster to ride.
Charles Cassady, Common Sense Media
Apocalyptic zombie sequel isn't for the squeamish.
Jay Antani, Cinema Writer
deft and stylish
Matthew Pejkovic, Matt's Movie Reviews
28 Weeks Later contains many elements from the first film while also packing a much stronger emotional punch and ferocious intensity.
Fernando F. Croce, CinePassion
Explicitly envisions Britain as a deserted combat zone
James O'Ehley, Sci-Fi Movie Page
A worthy sequel that is recommended - even if you're tired of zombie flicks!
Peg Aloi, Boston Phoenix
Every bit as visceral and provocative as the original, but cinematographer Enrique Chediak's deserted London can't hold a candle to Anthony Dod Mantle's.
Jim Lane, Sacramento News & Review
Certainly scary and nerve-wracking, but it's also ham-fisted and monotonous; to call Fresnadillo et al. powerful filmmakers would be like calling the movie's "infected" cannibals gourmet diners.
Lucius Gore, ESplatter
Fresnadillo's film is an undeniable triumph and one that horror fans will love for decades to come.
Jeff Bayer, The Scorecard Review
The infected just seem to bite, spit blood, scream and repeat a little too much.
Bruce Bennett, Spectrum (St. George, Utah)
A modern rarity: a smart, bloody, and truly horrific horror film.

Read all 17 critic reviews

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Featured Audience Ratings

xGary X

An American led NATO force is sent in to supervise the re-population of Britain when a new outbreak occurs and the military loses control of the situation. A sequel to the OK but not amazing 28 Days Later seemed a little unnecessary to me but I must admit, I enjoyed it. It has none of… More
An American led NATO force is sent in to supervise the re-population of Britain when a new outbreak occurs and the military loses control of the situation. A sequel to the OK but not amazing 28 Days Later seemed a little unnecessary to me but I must admit, I enjoyed it. It has none of the social allegory of the Romero zombie films and really is just a long chase sequence, but it is very efficiently handled. I liked the way that none of the characters were sacred cows who you KNEW would make it to the end of the film and the inter-family homicide obviously echoes the influence of the grandaddy of these flicks, Night Of The Living Dead. The basis of the plot actually shares rather more in common with another of Romero's films The Crazies but 28 Weeks Later is actually more successful than both that film and its recent remake. The action is very effective, especially the opening scene which is frighteningly tense and as visceral as a punch in the gut. It is rather plotless and as such will never be considered a classic, but it's an exciting thrill ride that reminded me of a Children Of Men copy with added blood and guts. Better than the first one I think.
Scott G

The most entertaining horror disaster movie of 2007.
moon r

Set in a London ravaged by the rage virus (Danny Boyle's contribution to the modern zombie mythos: the change comes faster and the hungry dead are themselves as fast on their feet as anything) this film conceptually answers the burning question: "what if they brought in the… More
Set in a London ravaged by the rage virus (Danny Boyle's contribution to the modern zombie mythos: the change comes faster and the hungry dead are themselves as fast on their feet as anything) this film conceptually answers the burning question: "what if they brought in the U.S. Army against those zombies?" Sound interesting?
KJ P

"28 Weeks Later" may not have the originality of the the first film, but this equally chilling sequel is not one to miss! The virus has now spread to Britain and 28 weeks later we get the aftermath of the hostile takeover by the zombies, and even though the terror is not as… More
"28 Weeks Later" may not have the originality of the the first film, but this equally chilling sequel is not one to miss! The virus has now spread to Britain and 28 weeks later we get the aftermath of the hostile takeover by the zombies, and even though the terror is not as subtle and engaging as the first, we still come to love what is happening to the characters. The action is on a far larger scake this time, and yes it does go over-the-top in some moments, but the fact that they turned it into a zombie vs human war by the end of the film is more entertaining than any action sequence in the original, which is why I give the director props. The cinematography has become much more mainstream (I disliked that portion), the is a slight downgrade from the original, and the zombies are less lifelike. That all being said, I think this is definitely a worthy sequel and a great watch during the halloween season!
Sophie B

I wouldn't say it's better than the first film and I wouldn't say it's worse, it's on a similar platform. It was very good to watch and whilst the performances weren't perfect from some (excluding Carlyle) it had some really good shots and I liked the… More
I wouldn't say it's better than the first film and I wouldn't say it's worse, it's on a similar platform. It was very good to watch and whilst the performances weren't perfect from some (excluding Carlyle) it had some really good shots and I liked the idea that one can be 'immune' to the infection. The ending was pretty obvious though.
Bruce B

Just as good as 28 Days Later, If I had to pick one over the other guess it would have to be this one, but I must say I did really enjoy it. made me jump a few times. Will add it to the collection. 4 Stars
Mark W

Sequels to successful films are very rarely ever as good as the original but with Danny Boyle involved as a producer, this manages to retain the success and similiar style he had with his first installment "28 Days Later". Six months have passed since the outbreak of the… More
Sequels to successful films are very rarely ever as good as the original but with Danny Boyle involved as a producer, this manages to retain the success and similiar style he had with his first installment "28 Days Later". Six months have passed since the outbreak of the rage virus and Britain has now been emptied. There's nobody there. It's completely dead. Now the American army occupy the cities and have plans to start bringing the country back from it's infestation. But, of course, something goes wrong... As story arcs go, this film is pretty unconventional, where instead of our protaganist Don (Robert Carlyle), being heroic and macho, he is actually quite sensitive and cowardly, and that's only the opening scene. Things get much worse. Right from the beginning, we are thrust into some unbearable kinetic excitement and Spanish director Juan Carlos Fresnidillo does a fantastic job with his handheld camerawork. A highly effective technique in placing us closer to the action. Carlyle delivers a good performance in what is a very underwritten role, but then zombie flicks dont normally spend a lot of time on characterisation. I just wish someone would give Carlyle a role that best fits this great actor's talents. Despite the underwritten roles though, the cast still make you care enough for them which is at least something considering there are gaping plot holes which are laughable at times. However, there's no denying some first-class action and suspense set pieces, namely the opening chase scene and the darkened train tunnel with only a night vision scope as our means of seeing anything. Visceral and exciting, the way a zombie film should be, and a fine second installment in what is being touted as a possible trilogy.
Kristijonas F

Not as personal or emotionally resonant as it's predecessor, 28 Weeks Later still proves that a slight pinch of the Hollywood movie-making powder can't hurt every franchise. On a side note, the helicopter zombie-chopping scene was terrific!
Lee ?

An ok sequel to an overrated movie. Yeah it's gory and it does have some thrillingly shot chase and attack sequences, but that's all it does have really. The sequel is kind of unnecessary, parts of the plot are pretty far fetched, no character development and those damn kids… More
An ok sequel to an overrated movie. Yeah it's gory and it does have some thrillingly shot chase and attack sequences, but that's all it does have really. The sequel is kind of unnecessary, parts of the plot are pretty far fetched, no character development and those damn kids were friggin' annoying! Those of you familiar or who live in London will find the deserted streets of London a pretty eerie sight and it's captured very well in the movie... if only it really was that quiet during the rush hour! If you really really enjoyed the first movie and like the shakey cam style then go see this. It's good fun.
EightThirty .

30/10/2010 (AVI FILE) Now this is what I'm talking about, "The Infected" that sprint! Yeah that's right, none of that "arms stretched out" walking like a turtle stuff. You wanna live you better be fast cause these freaks sprint for… More
30/10/2010 (AVI FILE) Now this is what I'm talking about, "The Infected" that sprint! Yeah that's right, none of that "arms stretched out" walking like a turtle stuff. You wanna live you better be fast cause these freaks sprint for gold! A fantastic follow up from the first part with again a believable reason for a "Re-infection" to continuate the "Infection" holocaust. Still gritty, not pretty in a terror filled city. A decent horror choice that extracts fear making this film a memorable and unforgettable scare flick of its kind. Terribly terrific.
Ross C

Awesome production, but this has got to be just about the most depressing sci-fi horror ever conceived. It even sucks being a survivor. A difficult one to sit through....
Jeff "

This sequel is a rarity. It's a rarity because it's just as great as the first film, as I consider the first film to be one of the best of this decade, I had high hopes for this second film. It delivered and was just as great as the first one. The thing I like about these… More
This sequel is a rarity. It's a rarity because it's just as great as the first film, as I consider the first film to be one of the best of this decade, I had high hopes for this second film. It delivered and was just as great as the first one. The thing I like about these movies, is that you end up caring for the people portrayed on screen, unlike traditional Horror films where you don't care what happens to the characters, 28 Days Later and 28 Weeks Later is much different. This sequel is electrifying and keeps you in suspense and is really, much like the first one a terrifying and entertaining film. 28 Weeks Later is a rare example of a sequel that is just as strong the first film. One of the reasons why this film is so great is because of the cast. Robert Carlyle gives a great performance and so does Jeremy Renner. 28 Weeks Later is an incredible sequel. I think the reason that this film succeeded so well was because Danny Boyle was still involved in the project. Even if the film is at times predictable, there are still plenty of scary moments and the film is just as tense as the first one. Another reason why this film is great is because of the strong script written by Juan Carlos Fresnadillo. The concept of this film is about the extermination of the rage virus. How the military were able to overcome it. The idea was very interesting, and the film does leave room for a third entry, which one day I hope will happen. 28 Weeks Later and 28 Days Later have put the Briuts on the map in the world of Horror. These two films are some of the best examples of original horror to come out in a long time. I a time where Hollywood seems all too concerned with remaking classics, it's good to see a film like 28 Weeks Later pop up. Both films of this series are a refreshing new take on a dying genre. These films make Horror films fun again. If you enjoyed 28 Days Later, then you'll enjoy this incredible top notch sequel, this film is just as strong as the first one.
Lady D

Bloodier and more gory than the first film, it also doesn?t take too long at all to warm up. Whilst the new sub-plot keeps this sequel moving and it does have it?s gory scenes, it doesn?t really touch on the first for me and think that it?s missing Cillian Murphy!
Jens S

This sequel to the British zombie shocker "28 days later", which invented running instead of slow zombies, starts out wonderfully disconcerting, just like the original film. And while things are slowly returning to normal in Great Britain, we know there will be a new… More
This sequel to the British zombie shocker "28 days later", which invented running instead of slow zombies, starts out wonderfully disconcerting, just like the original film. And while things are slowly returning to normal in Great Britain, we know there will be a new outbreak. Like often in such films the shit hits the fan thanks to stupidity and human incompetence. That's a little frustrating to witness, but the film admittedly has a few wonderfully terrifying scenes later on, like the night vision subway trip. Sadly, the ending comes from the known repertory of the genre and leaves you with a loud: Meh. But for most parts entertaining horror, just not as good as the first one.
Lewis C

I thought 28 Days Later... was great. A breath of fresh air and a thoughtfully entertaining horror flick. So it's not lightly that I say that I think 28 Weeks Later is even better. The only thing that's missing from the original is the parallel between the rage virus… More
I thought 28 Days Later... was great. A breath of fresh air and a thoughtfully entertaining horror flick. So it's not lightly that I say that I think 28 Weeks Later is even better. The only thing that's missing from the original is the parallel between the rage virus inflicted attackers and the brutality and rage of the main male character and his enemies, at the end of the movie. Everything else is just as good, or improved. Well, everything except the one specific zombie who seems unnaturally intelligent and obsessed with two characters in the movie. Super Zombie didn't fit at all into the "rules" of the movie, and seemed like an unnecessary plot device. That minor complaint is virtually my only one, though. 28 Weeks is brutal, intense, and more frightening than its predecessor, with the scenes in the crowded parking garage and the pitch black subway tunnel REALLY standing out. The simple story moves along briskly, with no superfluous moments to distract from the tension. The tone is understandably different (there is a new director, after all), but I don't think that the slight change hurt the movie at all. I loved the cast, and the ending is one of the best I've ever seen in a movie of this kind. Any time that I feel like a movie went by too quickly, I know it's a fantastic one. And that's exactly the impression that 28 Weeks Later left me with, even the second time around. It's less deliberate and more action-focused than 28 Days, but only the most stringent fan of the first movie will have an issue with that.
Dead A

This was pretty disgusting. The story was not something new. But it's watchable at least.
Conner R

Just such a let down, especially from the first one. The acting was bad for the most part, the only saving graces were Robert Carlyle and Rose Byrne. The violence was way too over the top for the mood set in the original, I mean there is a scene where a helicopter chops up a bunch of… More
Just such a let down, especially from the first one. The acting was bad for the most part, the only saving graces were Robert Carlyle and Rose Byrne. The violence was way too over the top for the mood set in the original, I mean there is a scene where a helicopter chops up a bunch of rage virus victims. It's almost like watching Alien 3 all over again. At least this is a seperate entity and doesn't conflict with the original story.
Anthony L

I'm not sure why this film got such a bad reception, I thought it was really well done! The direction, the scares, the zombies and the gore all in perfect balance. I think people get to hung up on details like 'How did the zombie open the door'? Apart from George A.… More
I'm not sure why this film got such a bad reception, I thought it was really well done! The direction, the scares, the zombies and the gore all in perfect balance. I think people get to hung up on details like 'How did the zombie open the door'? Apart from George A. Romero's first zombie films and Shaun of the dead, this is one of the best zombie films I?ve seen. It has a realism and an edge to it. Yeah it has cute kids in it but their father bites the hell out of one of them, also the beginning scene where the husband runs away from his wife, heart wrenching stuff, this film has intelligence and balls. I preferred it to the first film, this one?s original!
Cassandra M

In my opinion France make the best Thrillers, America the best Action Movies and until now I thought that Japan were kings of the Horror genre. Think again! The Brits must be the worlds best horror makers. Not since Clive Barkers Hellraiser have I been so mesmerised by a horror movie.… More
In my opinion France make the best Thrillers, America the best Action Movies and until now I thought that Japan were kings of the Horror genre. Think again! The Brits must be the worlds best horror makers. Not since Clive Barkers Hellraiser have I been so mesmerised by a horror movie. I can understand that people think it is poor compared to "28 days later" but it as a stand alone film is amazing!. From the moment it starts with the "Chase" to the "Helicoper de-capitation" the film does not let up to breath. The characters are portrayed in a way that you do care for them and I found myself glued to the screen for the entire film. If I blinked during the 2 hours I'd be shocked. So compared to 28 days later..Different Director, Different Cast, Different Zombies and a different day... A very good day!
Dan S

A great sequel that features rough action and incredible chase scenes. The beginning of the film is absolutely outstanding, when Carlyle is running for his life, what you see come over the hills is one of the more horrifying scenes in horror movies. The middle features one of the more… More
A great sequel that features rough action and incredible chase scenes. The beginning of the film is absolutely outstanding, when Carlyle is running for his life, what you see come over the hills is one of the more horrifying scenes in horror movies. The middle features one of the more unforseen twists as well, and you start rooting for another group of characters.