Every day for the month of October, Coming Soon is making a new horror movie recommendation for those eager to find a new frightening flick for Halloween. From the creepy goodness of a classy ghost story to a blood-spattered gorefest and everything in between, we’ll have something for every taste of horror. And today’s pick is…
28 Days Later
What’s 28 Days Later about: Written by Oscar nominee Alex Garland (Ex Machina, Annihilation, Never Let Me Go), directed by Oscar-winner Danny Boyle (Slumdog Millionaire, Yesterday, Trainspotting) and starring Golden Globe nominee Cillian Murphy (Peaky Blinders), Oscar nominee Naomie Harris (Moonlight), Golden Globe nominee Brendan Gleeson (Mr. Mercedes), and Christopher Eccleston (Doctor Who), 2002’s 28 Days Later takes place about four weeks following the spread of an incurable “rage” virus that takes over the UK (and beyond). Murphy plays Jim, one of the survivors who wakes up in the hospital after being in a coma to a desolate and deadlier world. Jim quickly meets other survivors and they band together to find what they hope is a sanctuary free from the infected.
Why 28 Days Later rules: *Minor Spoilers* Long story short, 28 Days Later is a genuinely engaging, scary, and unsettling movie led by an all-star cast that highlights some of Doyle and Garland’s best work. From the iconic theme music by John Murphy to the exquisite tone and cinematography, the fast-paced monsters, and the most intense tire change scene in addition to the ever-memorable sequence of Jim’s boiled over rampage later in the movie, this film is a must-see for all horror fans.
How scary is 28 Days Later: Boyle and Garland redefined the infected/zombie subgenre. The virus-afflicted creatures are horrifyingly quick, brutal, and relentless, whether alone or with a horde. The movie also shines a disturbing spotlight on how human beings can sometimes be the cruelest monsters, especially in a post-apocalyptic hellscape.
Be on the lookout for: Boyle and Garland were more interested in exploring a virus that affects people psychologically instead of physically. The filmmakers felt the idea of a virus that forces people into a zombie-like existence because of their uncontrollable rage response was a good metaphor for contemporary social rage. Essentially, the infected don’t turn into something else entirely, like traditional zombies you would see in Romero’s classics or AMC’s The Walking Dead. Instead, the virus amplifies a piece of a person that already exists. This also allows for an unsettling comparison between the infected and uninfected, especially when the survivors come across the group of soldiers and all that follows.
Where to watch 28 Days Later: The movie is available to stream on Starz for subscribers. You can also rent the film for $3.99 at Amazon Prime Video. You can pick up your Blu-ray copy of the horror classic by clicking here.
CS October Horror Movie Recommendations:
October 1 – Session 9
October 2 – Bubba Ho-Tep
October 3 – City of the Dead
October 4 – Drag Me to Hell
October 5 – Opera
October 6 – It Follows
October 7 – Chopping Mall
October 8 — The Descent
October 9 — The Vampire Doll
October 10 — Poltergeist
October 11 — Jennifer’s Body
October 12 — Grave Encounters
October 13 — Dolls
October 14 — High Tension
October 15 — The Ranger
October 16 — Sleepy Hollow
October 17 — Paranormal Activity 3
October 18 — The Innkeepers
October 19 — I Saw the Devil
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