10 Recent Movies That Totally Took You By Surprise

2. 28 Years Later

28 Years Later Aaron Taylor-Johnson
Sony Pictures

When it comes to legacy sequels, you never know what you're going to get.

When they're good, they're really good, but when they're bad, oh boy, they're bad. When it comes to 28 Years Later, though, it almost certainly falls into the camp of the former. 

The cultural and cinematic significance of 2002's 28 Days Later is no secret, so when the film was followed by an incredibly underwhelming sequel, such as 2007's 28 Weeks Later, the future of the franchise was stuck in limbo, and this was largely due to both Danny Boyle and Alex Garland taking a creative step back for that follow-up. 

However, we're back with a bang with 28 Years Later. The film is a visual feast for the eyes, and Boyle delivers a masterclass on how to reinvigorate a franchise unlike anything audiences will have seen before.  

Featuring a star-in-the-making performance from Alfie Williams, as well as Hollywood heavy hitters Jodie Comer, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, and Ralph Fiennes, it's a tale of humanity, heart, and horror told through the lens of a coming-of-age story that will make you cry, laugh, scared, but perhaps most surprisingly, think. 

This isn't your typical, run-of-the-mill horror movie; it's much more than that, and 28 Years Later packs a real emotional punch that many will empathise with and relate to. As for that ending, well, you can be the judge of that. 

Good things come to those who wait, and this didn't disappoint. 

Contributor
Contributor

Teacher by day, Writer by night. Apparent "Film Journalist". Avid Chelsea, England Cricket and Scotland Rugby supporter and subsequent sufferer. Proud northerner who, for some reason, sounds southern. Will watch absolutely anything Jack O'Connell is in. Greatest achievement? Getting winked at by James McAvoy.