28 Days Later

Set in the aftermath of a zombie outbreak in London, 28 Days Later stars Cillian Murphy in his breakthrough role.

Where the film excels is in its excellent cinematography. Wide-shots of an empty, destitute London (compared to its typical state of chaos throughout the working week), and of Britain's countryside really help create an image of a post-apocalyptic nation, filled only with half-living soulless creatures, devoid of emotions or understanding.

The rest of the film, however, fails to deliver. Whilst there are certainly moments of tension and horror which are well executed with the use of shadows, poor lighting and bland environments, latter scenes feel very poorly devised, especially those within the camp. Whereas you can understand the feeling of frustration (mentally and sexually) that would seep through the minds of those holed up in such a place, the writing herein just doesn't feel natural in the context of the film as a whole. Though maybe that was director's (Danny Boyle) intention.

28 Days Later is an assortment of middling acting performances, wonderful cinematography and a set of ideas which for my liking are only partly successful.

6/10