28 Years Later

What’s it about?

Almost three decades since the rage virus spread and plagued the world, a group of survivors of the rage virus maintain their village on an isolated island. When two people leave the island on a mission into the mainland, they discover a world of secrets, wonders, and horrors brought about by the infection.

The facts

• Directed by Danny Boyle (28 Days Later, Trainspotting, Slumdog Millionaire)
• Written by Alex Garland (The Beach, Sunshine)
• Starring Aaron Taylor-Johnson (Kick-Ass), Jodie Comer (Free Guy), Ralph Fiennes (Harry Potter), Jack O'Connell (Sinners)
• English language
• Runtime: 115 minutes
• Third instalment in the 28 Days Later zombie series and the first in the 28 Years Later trilogy

Why did it get this rating?

This film was classified by Te Mana Whakaatu - Classification Office. You can find out more about classification process and ratings here.

28 Years Later is intended to evoke strong reactions and test your tolerance for graphic imagery. If you do not handle horror or zombie themes well, it may be a film to skip or at least approach with caution. The previous films in the series are rated R16 violence, offensive language & horror (28 Days Later) and R18 graphic violence & offensive language (28 Weeks Later).

Horror

The film is in the style of a post-apocalyptic horror featuring zombies called “the infected.” The film starts with a montage of the early stages of the virus with people being chased, bitten and becoming rapidly infected which is shown with projectile blood vomit and rapid movements.

Unlike earlier films in the series, almost all of the infested a naked, rotting, and in some cases very bloated. They are shown with discoloured skin and purple veins. They are all seen naked with full-frontal, including genitals, frequently shown.

A new breed of infected is shown as larger, stronger and faster called ‘alphas’. These monsters are likely to frighten or unsettle viewers, especially due to their menacing and deadly qualities.

A pregnant infected woman gives birth. The baby is shown coming out from between her legs, but it is not a detailed birth scene.

One man has built various cult-like sculptures and monuments to the dead using hundreds of human skulls and bones. We see a human skull being cooked, peeled and washed in preparation for placement in the bone monuments.

Bloody violence

There is a lot of graphic violence, including many killings of humans and infected in various brutal ways. Some of the strongest moments of violence include:

• An infected ‘Alpha’ ripping several character’s heads off, as well as a deer, which pull their spines out of their bodies. He carries a head and spine while chasing other people.
• A dead body is found hung upside down with a name carved into its chest and a bloody plastic bag and rope around his neck.
• The infected are killed with arrows through the neck, head, and chest, with bloody spraying on impact.
• A gang of skilled fighters kill several infected with a variety of weapons and methods in a stylised action-focused scene.

Nudity

There is an implied sex scene where a man and a woman kiss against a wall. The man then gets on his knees and puts his head under her dress, implying oral sex. We hear sexual moans from a distance, but we do not see anything graphic.

Offensive language

This film contains occasional strong language. The words “c*nt” and “f**k” are yelled several times by a confused and disorientated character, and the words “sh*t” and “d*ck” are also heard.

Youth Advisory Panel Comments

We were grateful to have three Youth Advisor Panel members attend the classification screening with Te Mana Whakaatu staff.

The strongest elements of the film were when heads with spines attached were ripped from bodies. It was impactful when done to the animal because it was the first time they’d seen something like this.

They pointed out the genitals seen on the zombies as a surprise, but not impactful as it didn’t feel like human nudity since they didn’t come across as humans.

A 12-year-old character using the word “c*nt” was shocking for them.

They did not feel that it was a typical horror film as it wasn’t as scary as they would expect from a horror film.

When content stays with you:

We all have our boundaries, and it’s completely okay if something you’ve watched is weighing on your mind. If certain content lingers with you, consider having a chat with friends or whānau to debrief about what you’ve just seen. But if you’re still feeling affected, please reach out to any of the following helplines for support.

• 1737
• Safe to talk
• Lifeline
• Youthline

Further information

• Why are ratings and content warnings important for me and my whānau?
• Brain development – how it works, why it matters
• A flesh take on zombies | Classification Office