28 Weeks Later
Performance & Direction: 28 Weeks Later Review
Last updated: February 15, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is 28 Weeks Later (2007) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a HIT with a verified audience rating of 6.6/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Horror.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Horror is often anchored by its ensemble, and 28 Weeks Later features a noteworthy lineup led by Robert Carlyle . Supported by the likes of Rose Byrne and Jeremy Renner , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
Story & Plot Summary: 28 Weeks Later
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 2007, 28 Weeks Later is a Horror, Thriller, Science Fiction film directed by Juan Carlos Fresnadillo. The narrative crafts an atmosphere of dread and suspense, using psychological terror and visual scares. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Robert Carlyle.
Story Breakdown
The horror unfolds through carefully crafted atmosphere and escalating dread. Twenty-eight weeks after the spread of a deadly rage virus, the inhabitants of the British Isles have lost their battle against the onslaught, as the virus has killed everyone there. Six months later, a group of Americans dare to set foot on the Isles, convinced the danger has passed. But it soon becomes all too clear that the scourge continues to live, waiting to pounce on its next victims. Director Juan Carlos Fresnadillo uses both psychological terror and visceral scares, building tension through what's unseen as much as what's shown. The pacing allows for breathing room between scares, making each frightening moment more effective.
Narrative Structure
- Opening Hook: An unsettling prologue sets the ominous tone, hinting at the terror to come while establishing the rules of this world.
- Character Arc: The main character shows growth throughout the story, though some supporting characters could have been more fully realized. Robert Carlyle's arc is present but occasionally predictable.
- Climax & Resolution: The final act escalates the terror to its peak, forcing characters to confront the source of horror directly.
Thematic Depth
Beneath the scares lies commentary on deeper fears like loss of control, the unknown, or societal anxieties manifested as literal monsters.
What Works & What Doesn't
✅ Strengths
- Solid execution of genre conventions
- Engaging moments that showcase the creators' vision
- Competent performances from the cast
⚠️ Weaknesses
- Some narrative choices that feel predictable
- Occasional pacing lulls in the middle act
Ending Explained: 28 Weeks Later
Ending Breakdown: Directed by Juan Carlos Fresnadillo, 28 Weeks Later concludes its story with a mix of closure and open interpretation. The finale presents its approach to horror resolution.
The final reveal recontextualizes earlier scenes involving Robert Carlyle, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes by addressing its primary narrative threads, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Character journeys reach their narrative endpoints, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the horror themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of 28 Weeks Later reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch 28 Weeks Later?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Horror films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of Robert Carlyle or the director
- Want a few scares and creepy atmosphere
Box Office Collection: 28 Weeks Later
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $15.0M |
| Worldwide Gross | $72.3M |
| Trade Verdict | CLEAN HIT |
28 Weeks Later Budget
The estimated production budget for 28 Weeks Later is $15.0M. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
Top Cast: 28 Weeks Later
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Where to Watch 28 Weeks Later Online?
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YouTube28 Weeks Later Parents Guide & Age Rating
2007 AdvisoryWondering about 28 Weeks Later age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of 28 Weeks Later is 99 minutes (1h 39m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 6.6/10, and global performance metrics, 28 Weeks Later is classified as a HIT. It remains an essential part of the 2007 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 28 Weeks Later worth watching?
28 Weeks Later is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Horror movies. It has a verified rating of 6.6/10 and stands as a HIT in our box office analysis.
Where can I find 28 Weeks Later parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for 28 Weeks Later identifies it as R. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of 28 Weeks Later?
The total duration of 28 Weeks Later is 99 minutes, which is approximately 1h 39m long.
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Critic Reviews for 28 Weeks Later
Much worse than the original. It loses quite of the continuous tension. Many of the FX are bad quality. The script is really predictable and some scenes and conversations are too much of a cliche.
This was a very good sequel to a fine zombie work (my favourite zombie film is STILL Jean Rollin's remarkable and extremely aesthetically-pleasing 'The Grapes of Death'), and I was very pleasantly surprised. Pardon the pun, but you would think that by this time, everything in the land of zombie movies would have been done to death, but I remain consistently admiring of just where the best and most thought-out renditions of the template can go. In THIS case, the most intriguing dynamic is a cowardly husband choosing his life rather than helping his wife out of a horrible crisis, then infanticide (or worse) of his own children, rather than face their wrath over the poor decision he had made. It's interestingly hilarious that when you think about it, humanity is doomed because a 12-year-old had to go back and get a picture of his mother, because he was afraid that without it, he would forget what she looked like...A surprisingly satisfying work, that for horror fans, is worth a purchase and rewatching. I'm admittedly more for classic films, from the 20's to 60's, but for contemporary horror cinema, I liked this a lot, especially Jeremy Renner and Imogen Poots. It's no surprise to me that they soon became superstars.
We have an outbreak of the infection in medical center. All units; safeties off. 28 Weeks Later is directed by Juan Carlos Fresnadillo who also co-writes with Rowan Joffe, Jesus Olmo and E. L. Lavigne. It stars Robert Carlyle, Rose Byrne, Jeremy Renner, Harold Perrineau, Catherine McCormack, Mackintosh Muggleton and Imogen Poots. Music is by John Murphy and cinematography by Enrique Chediak. Six months have passed since the Rage Virus decimated the UK, but now people are returning to London's District 1 with the U.S. Military overseeing the project. However, the Rage Virus can be carried in people with no outward symptoms. After the monster success of "28 Days Later" it was inevitable that a sequel would follow. With director/writer combo Danny Boyle and Alex Garland off making "Sunshine" with Cillian Murphy, the big players from the first film were missing (Boyle and Garland were Executive Producers here). There was reasonable cause for some concern that this would be the latest in a long line of horror sequels that, quite frankly, suck the big one. How great to find that not only is "Weeks" an excellent sequel, it also doesn't sit idle and copy Boyle's winning formula. The blood and ick factor is considerably amped up, as is the action (there's running, lots of running, guns, lots of guns, panic, lots of panic), but the writers have put intelligence into the writing by expanding on the Rage Virus victims as not just being an outwardly ferocious beast, and some topical smarts are spliced into the narrative with the presence of the American military "enforcing" the reconstruction of London. Also, with the film's central focus being on a splintered family, brilliantly set up by the breathtaking/horrifying opening 10 minutes, there's a mighty heft of humanism flowing in between the blood vomit and body shredding. Cast are mostly terrific, with Carlyle and the impressive young actors, Poots and Muggleton, leading the way. The American lads playing military men have to make do with slender written stock roles, but Byrne provides spunk and McCormack leaves an indelible mark in a small, but key, role. Fresnadillo (Intacto) ensures Boyle isn't missed in the director's chair, with a keen eye for action construction and an awareness of pacing for such a horror movie. While Murphy again scores with that knack for doom mongering beats. There's some missteps, logic at times goes out the window and in the case of Renner's character, outcome is a bit too much of a bitter pill to swallow. While dialogue at times shops at "Clichés "R" Us". But this is still a mighty fine thrill ride, often scary and stomach turning, and even flecked with emotional worth. On this evidence a part 3 would be most welcome. 8/10
The story is not quite up to snuff in comparison to _Days_, but the visual quality is **way** better. _Final rating:★★★½ - I really liked it. Would strongly recommend you give it your time._
"28 Weeks Later" is a British horror movie directed by Juan Carlos Fresnadillo and starring Jeremy Renner and Rose Byrne. The film is a sequel to the critically acclaimed "28 Days Later" and takes place six months after the original film's events. The film opens with a tense and heart-pounding sequence as a group of survivors try to escape the infected hordes of London. The scene sets the tone for the rest of the movie, which is filled with suspense and tension. The plot centers around the repopulation of London, which is deemed safe after the outbreak of the Rage Virus six months earlier. The story follows the reunion of a family that was separated during the initial outbreak, and their struggle to survive when the virus returns. The film's pacing is excellent, with a gradual buildup of tension that leads to several heart-stopping moments. The infected humans are just as terrifying and violent as in the first film, and the film's use of sound and lighting is once again top-notch. One of the standout features of "28 Weeks Later" is the excellent acting by Jeremy Renner and Rose Byrne. Renner delivers a convincing performance as Don, a father struggling to protect his children and come to terms with his actions during the initial outbreak. Byrne also shines as Scarlett, a medical officer trying to find a cure for the virus. The film's themes of family, loyalty, and sacrifice are powerful and thought-provoking. As the family struggles to survive, they are forced to confront the difficult choices that come with the end of the world. The film's cinematography and visual effects are also impressive, with haunting and memorable shots of a deserted London and intense action sequences. Overall, "28 Weeks Later" is a solid horror movie that is not quite as groundbreaking as its predecessor but still delivers a thrilling and engaging experience. The film's excellent acting, pacing, and visuals make for an intense and unforgettable experience. I would rate "28 Weeks Later" an 7 out of 10. Written and Reviewed by RSOliveira
'28 Weeks Later' is passable in its own right for the majority, though the way it all concludes did disappoint me. I didn't care for the end all that much, which does damage how I view this unfortunately. Overall it fails to match the original, though does still offer OK post-apocalypse fare. It is pretty strong in regards to the cast list, which is probably the only area that this can claim that it matches the predecessor (even if I prefer the 2002 cast, obvs). Rose Byrne, Jeremy Renner and Idris Elba were people I was happy to see appear, while Robert Carlyle & Co. are solid. The locations aren't as cool or convincing as last time out, though the effects for the infected are satisfactory. I can appreciate the idea that they had with this sequel, for the most part I was content with what I was watching. However, by the credits, it left me underwhelmed.
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This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
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