Apocalyptic – STREAMING MOVIE NIGHT

2007 20th Century Fox

Rated: R

Length: 1 hr 39min

Drama ~ Horror ~ Post-Apocalyptic ~ Sci-Fi ~ Thriller

Starring: Robert Carlyle, Rose Byrne, Jeremy Renner, Harold Perrineau, Imogen Poots and Idris Elba.

The Days Turn Into Weeks….

Following the events of 28 Days Later we are introduced to Don (Robert Carlyle) and his wife Alice (Catherine McCormack) who are hiding out in a farmhouse with an older couple and a young woman. Just as in the first movie, they are running low on food and supplies, and spend their time fortifying the farmhouse against the infected. suddenly there is pounding on the door and a young boy screams to be let in. They begrudgingly comply but soon realize that he is being chased by a horde of the infected. They soon overrun the farmhouse and Don and Alice get trapped upstairs with the young boy. As they go into another bedroom to escape there is already an infected in the room and has come between Alice and the child on one side and Don just inside the bathroom. Realizing that Alice and the child are doomed, Don self-preservation kicks in he escapes out onto the roof, down onto the ground and makes a run for the boat in the river, leaving Alice to her fate.

28 weeks later, the Rage Virus outbreak has largely ended due to the starvation of the infected. NATO forces, led by the U.S. military, have taken control of London and established a heavily guarded “safe zone” called District One on the Isle of Dogs. Survivors, including Don and Alice’s children Tammy (Imogen Poots) and Andy (Mackintosh Muggleton)who were abroad during the outbreak, are allowed to return and live under military protection. Don manages one of the apartment buildings in the safe zone, but lies to his children about abandoning their mother.

Tammy and Andy sneak out of District One to visit their old family home in hopes of retrieving personal items. There, Andy discovers Alice alive but in a delirious state. Military personnel capture Alice and bring her back to the safe zone where she is quarantined and tested by Medical Officer Scarlet (Rose Byrne). She is found to be an asymptomatic carrier of the Rage Virus, she carries the virus without symptoms but can infect others through her blood or saliva. Don secretly visits Alice, pleading for forgiveness. After a kiss, Don is infected and goes on a brutal rampage, killing Alice and sparking a rapid outbreak within the safe zone.

Scarlet rescues Tammy and Andy, believing the children may hold genetic immunity that could lead to a cure. As the infection spreads, Military Commander Stone (Idris Elba) orders mass executions in a desperate attempt to contain it. Sergeant Doyle(Jeremy Renner) refuses to comply and helps the small group, including Tammy, Andy, Scarlet, and another survivor, Sam, flee. They survive the chaos and firebombing of District One, though Don pursues them relentlessly.

In the dramatic finale, Tammy, Andy, and Scarlet reach Wembley Stadium, where helicopter pilot Flynn reluctantly flies them across the English Channel to France. However, Andy’s status as an asymptomatic carrier means the virus has now spread beyond Britain, a chilling revelation as infected emerge in Paris near the Eiffel Tower.

28 Weeks Later delivers a gripping mix of family drama and relentless horror, painting a bleak picture of survival and human frailty amid the breakdown of society. It was interesting to go back and see Rose Byrne, Jeremy Renner, Imogen Poots and Idris Elba 18 years ago. Just out of curiosity I went back and looked at what were their first movies:

Rose Byrne ~ Dallas Doll (1994). This was her 17th movie.
Jeremy Renner ~ National Lampoon’s Senior Trip (1995). This was his 12th movie.
Imogen Poots ~ V For Vendetta ~ (2005). This was her 2nd movie!
Idris Alba ~ Beautiful Mother (1999). This was his 8th Movie.

It is just as terrifying and horrific as the first with a Family’s drama over coping with the outbreak thrown in and it leaves us guessing as to what happens next, 28 years Later. And that’s what we are watching on Netflix tonight. Be back tomorrow with a review of 28 Years Later!

28 Days Later

28 Years Later

The Days Are Numbered….

28 Days Later throws viewers into a hauntingly familiar yet utterly transformed world where a devastating “Rage” virus outbreak has brought civilization to its knees. The story begins with Jim (Cillian Murphy), a bike courier who wakes up in an abandoned hospital after a coma, only to find London eerily deserted and plagued by violent infected creatures. As he steps out into this nightmarish reality, Jim embarks on a tense journey to survive and understand the chaos that has consumed the country, meeting other survivors along the way who each bring their own fears and agendas to the fragile group.

What drives the movie beyond standard zombie thrills is its focus on the evolving dynamics between characters who are pushed to their limits. Jim’s transformation from helpless wanderer to protective leader is matched by the struggles of those around him, exposing themes of trust, morality, and desperation in a world where society’s rules no longer apply. The film explores not just the physical horrors of the infected but also the psychological challenges of facing an uncertain future while grappling with loss, betrayal, and the instinct to survive at all costs.

Danny Boyle’s direction masterfully blends high-intensity action with quieter, emotionally resonant moments that capture the vulnerability and resilience of humanity. The chilling visuals of deserted London streets, punctuated by sudden bursts of violence, create an atmosphere of constant suspense. Alongside gripping performances, especially from Cillian Murphy as Jim, the film’s pacing keeps audiences on edge, delivering scares that feel earned rather than gratuitous.

As the first film in the 28 Days Later franchise, this entry sets a powerful tone that the sequels 28 Weeks Later and the upcoming 28 Years Later build upon, expanding the story of a society struggling to rebuild after collapse. For viewers planning to dive into the whole trilogy, this original remains a must-watch for its raw emotion, innovative take on the infected genre, and unrelenting suspense that still resonates years later.

Before I could watch 28 Years Later , which is streaming on Netflix, I had to go back and watch the original 28 Days Later last night on AMC+. Tonight I am watching the sequel 28 Weeks Later , also on AMC+, then Monday night I’ll watch 28 Years Later on Netflix. See you tomorrow with a review on 28 Weeks Later !