28 Days Later

2002 Fox Searchlight Pictures

Rated: R

Length: 1 hr 53min

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

Starring: Cillian Murphy, Naomie Harris, Christopher Eccleston, Megan Burns, and Brendan Gleeson.

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 !

28 Weeks Later

28 Years Later

Arcadian

2024 RLJE Films

Rated: R

Length: 1 hr 32min

Action ~ Drama ~ Horror ~ Sci-Fi ~ Thriller

Directed by: Benjamin Brewer

Starring: Nicolas Cage, Jaeden Martell and Maxwell Jenkins.

Family Is Stronger Than Fear

Arcadian drops us deep into a world where every night is a fight for survival, and every day is a fragile respite from the terrors that lurk outside. Paul, played by Nicolas Cage,, hunkers down with his twin teenage sons, Joseph (Jaeden Martell) and Thomas (Maxwell Jenkins), on an isolated farmhouse, their lives strictly organized around a nightly lockdown to keep out mysterious, predatory creatures. The film wastes no time throwing viewers into this tense routine, where every sunset brings dread and the comfort of family is tested by the constant threat from just beyond the barricaded doors.

Thomas, outgoing and impulsive, often pushes the boundaries of their father’s rules, sneaking away for brief encounters with Charlotte, a resourceful neighbor from the next farm. Meanwhile, Joseph plays by the rules and quietly studies their world, even daring to trap one of the nocturnal creatures in hopes of understanding it better. Arcadian skillfully builds drama by focusing on these sibling differences, revealing how each boy handles fear, isolation, and the flickering hope for connection in a world that’s lost its sense of safety.

A single brash decision shatters their carefully curated routine, plunging the family into a series of harrowing confrontations. As the threats evolve and old alliances fracture, the tension ratchets up, leaving Paul and his sons struggling not only against the monsters outside, but also against their own insecurities and doubts. Arcadian is less about explaining what caused the apocalypse and more about exploring how these survivors cope, adapt, and search for meaning and hope—even when the world grows darker with each passing night.

Arcadian drops you into a tense, post-apocalyptic world where survival means daylight refuge and nightly battles against terrifying creatures. Nicolas Cage quietly anchors the story of a father trying to keep his twin sons safe as the monsters evolve new ways to attack. With sharp creature design and sibling drama at its core, Arcadian offers a fresh take on the creature feature genre that fans of atmospheric horror won’t want to miss. Perfect for viewers who crave suspense and a story about family fighting to hold onto hope in a dark, dangerous world. Well worth a watch!

The Gorge

2025 Apple TV+

Rated: PG-13

Length: 2 hr 7min

Action ~ Adventure ~ Horror ~ Romance ~ Sci-Fi

Directed by: Scott Derrickson

Starring: Miles Teller, Anya Taylor-Joy, and Sigourney Weaver.

They’re Not Keeping You Out, They’re Keeping Them In.

Two elite snipers, Levi (Miles Teller) and Drasa (Anya Taylor-Joy), are deployed by rival powers to isolated guard towers on opposite rims of a secretive, heavily-fortified gorge. Their assignment is cryptic: defend the gorge for a full year, forbidden from communicating with each other or the outside world. Both come with heavy personal burdens, Levi battles PTSD, while Drasa is haunted by her father’s death, yet they quickly realize their mission offers few answers and even fewer reassurances about what they are actually protecting.

Despite strict protocols, the prolonged solitude and relentless vigilance foster a connection between the two adversaries. Through clever, silent exchanges and eventually bold gestures—such as a zipline crossing for an in-person dinner—their relationship grows from wary rivalry to deep affection, sustained across the chasm that separates them. This budding romance is interwoven with moments of tension and shared danger, as they fend off unidentified threats emerging from the depths and slowly begin to peel back the layers of secrecy around their mission.

Events escalate dramatically when a failed return trip leaves Levi stranded in the gorge, prompting Drasa to launch a desperate rescue. Forced to descend into the unknown, they face hostile and bewildering challenges, all while realizing that the nature of their assignment and the true interests behind it are far more sinister than either had imagined. Their struggle to survive and uncover the truth tests, not only their combat skills, but the trust and bond they have forged in the shadow of the gorge.

I went into this one without knowing anything about it, didn’t even see the trailer. Which is exactly how I think you should watch it, the less you know the better the experience I believe. Well I did know that Anna Taylor-Joy was in it, probably the deciding factor in watching it. I am a fan, there is something about Anna that is very captivating. I first saw Anna in Split and Glass, but it was her performance in The Northman and The Menu that really got my attention. And I have to say that she does not disappoint in this one, in fact I’d have to say she absolutely killed in this role.

Miles Teller I am not that familiar with, I did some research and have seen him in The Divergent movies with Jennifer Lawrence but I don’t really remember him, just his face looked familiar. I did see him in Only The Brave, I love that movie…..great true story and a well done movie with Josh Brolin. I liked him in this one and thought he did a great job. The chemistry between Miles and Anna was infectious, it felt real. I thought it was a good story, a great Romance, and a captivating Sci-Fi adventure full of Horror and action. It was good to see Sigourney Weaver again doing what she does best as well.

I liked it, I will watch it again and I highly recommend it.

Turn off the lights, crank the audio, turn off the phone,

Grab a beverage, Make some popcorn and Stream this movie

On Apple TV+

The Northman

Only The Brave

Brick

2025 Netflix

Rated: TV-MA

Length: 1 hr 39min

Drama ~ Sci-fi ~ Thriller

Directed by: Philip Koch

Starring: Matthias Schweighöfer and Ruby O. Fee

Trapped. Together. Terrified.

FROM NETFLIX:

A couple whose relationship is on the rocks wakes up in the middle of the night to find that they’ve been locked inside their apartment — not by an intruder or a maniacal landlord but by strange black bricks blocking every possible exit. Desperate to escape, they join forces with their neighbors to decode the mystery that’s keeping them trapped. The German thriller BRICK, written and directed by Philip Koch, stars Matthias Schweighöfer (Army of the Dead), Ruby O. Fee (Army of Thieves), and Frederick Lau.

After suffering a pregnancy loss, the relationship between Tim (Schweighöfer) and Olivia (Fee) has been strained. Tim is overly stressed about finishing his work — a video game –– and Olivia feels that he’s been neglecting her. As soon as she calls it quits, however, she opens the apartment door to a solid black wall. Glossy bricks have been stacked up in the entrance and in each window, blocking every chance Olivia has to break away. Now they’re stuck in this together — for better or worse. But they aren’t the only ones: Tim and Olivia’s neighbors are locked in, too. As they traverse the building trying to find an opening, these residents slowly learn that there may be no way out.

THE REVIEW:

I knew going in that this was a German Movie that Netflix had overdubbed. I don’t like Foreign Movies overdubbed with English and I’ll tell you why. It drives me crazy when the words being spoken don’t match the actor’s mouth movements, it really drives me nuts. But I knew that Matthias Schweighöfer and Ruby O. Fee were in it and I really liked them and their chemistry in Army Of Thieves. I was really impressed with the two of them and more so the fact that Matthias starred in and directed the movie. And I have seen a few recent Foreign films Netflix has overdubbed and they seemed like they were getting better at it.

So I was willing to give it a chance and overlook any overflubbing, I mean overdubbing that might be…ummm…..a little off. The overdubbing on this one should be called overflubbing, absolutely horrible. Terrible, the audio was way off from the actor’s actual mouth movements and gestures. In some spots they aren’t even talking and yet you hear them talk………ok, you get the point on the overflubbing, I mean overdubbing. Now on to the acting…….

Terrible, talk about overacting….Frederick Lau as Marvin was horrible, overly dramatic and heavily overacted. Murathon Muslu as Yuri comes a close second to Frederick’s performance. It was all bad acting wise, I give props to Matthias and Ruby, they tried given what they were given to work with. I wanted to give it a better review but as I type this I realize I am just going to beat it up.

There was a scene where Ruby O. Fee grabs a hammer drill, determined to bust through the mysterious black brick wall that has suddenly blocked them in. That scene is the epitome of the fakeness involved. It was painfully obvious that the hammer drill attempt was horribly fake. When they use sledge hammers to bust through the walls between the apartments, the red brick was really fake looking, really bad. And on and on and on…..

I had high expectations of enjoying Matthias and Ruby again but this was not enjoyable, it was painful. And I think this has more to do with direction than anything else. It came off as a B Sci-fi movie, you know the old one with fake props and sets due to a lack of funds. The story was a good premise and showed promise but I think the execution left it all flat…..like a BRICK. Couldn’t resist.

I honestly can’t recommend this one, as much as I like Matthias and Ruby, I gotta say you should avoid this one.

Two Thumbs down, way down.

Army Of Thieves

Army Of The Dead

Companion

2025 Warner Brothers

Rated: R

Length: 1 hr 37min

Fantasy ~ Horror ~ Sci-Fi ~ Suspense ~ Thriller

Directed by: Drew Hancock

Starring: Sophie Thatcher, Jack Quaid, Lukas Gage, Megan Suri, Harvey Guillén, and Rupert Friend.

Find someone made just for you.

The Movie starts with this scene in a grocery store. It is when Iris and Josh first met…..

Iris is shopping in the grocery store pushing a grocery cart, when she sees peaches displayed in the produce department. She stops and picks up a peach, smells it, and looks up to see a guy named Josh smiling at her. He walks around to the front of her cart near an orange display, and attempting to make small talk, grabs an orange. All the oranges in the display fall onto the floor…..He sheepishly starts to laugh and Iris starts to laugh too. Josh says, “Well That was smooth..” and laughs. Iris agrees as she laughs and smiles at him, “Yeah…So smooth.

As this voiceover from Iris plays:

Most the time it’s like, I don’t know, it’s like there’s this thick black cloud covering everything.

Like we see the world but, we don’t really see the world, you know?

We’re all just stumbling around. Directionless. No sense of meaning. No sense of purpose.

I know that might sound super depressing but honestly, I think it’s a good thing.

Because it makes us appreciate the other times.

Those brief transcendent moments when the lights flicker on, the black cloud parts and you see the world for what it really is.

And suddenly there’s meaning. Suddenly there’s purpose.

If you’re lucky you’ll experience this once in your lifetime.

For me, it happened twice.

The first was the day I met Josh.

And the second…..the day I killed him.

“Iris, Wake Up” Josh says. Iris wakes up, yawns and asks Josh, “How long was I out?” “You’ve been out for awhile now, what were you dreaming about?” Iris answers, “I was dreaming about when we first met.” They are driving in Josh’s self driving autonomous car to a friend’s house out in the countryside for a weekend getaway. They are meeting with some other friends to spend the weekend together and have some fun. The house belongs to Sergey, a shady Russian business man “whose hands are in some dirty business”, so he says.

Eli and his lover Patrick have already arrived and Josh and Iris pull up and park next to their car. As they enter the house they are greeted by Kat, who Iris is convinced doesn’t like her very much. Patrick is cooking, Sergey is drinking and making drinks for everyone else and Eli comes downstairs to greet Josh and Iris. And the weekend begins! There is food, there is drink, there is dancing, a fun time for all, let the good times roll!

But not for long! Soon things spiral out of control and not in the way it was intended! For there is more to this little planned getaway than meets the eye, as there is to Iris, Patrick, Josh and Kat. Sometimes the bad guy isn’t who you think it is, or is it. Just when you think you know what is going to happen, it goes in a completely different direction. And when you think you have that figured out, guess again. Nope, you’re wrong!

There are shades of Subservience and M3GAN in this movie. Yes, there are A.I. Robots, but you think they turn bad and run amok. Not nese-celery! New word I made up! Anyway, I thought Sophie Thatcher was great as Iris. I really liked her in this. Great job I say. And Jack Quaid as well, I just found out he is the son of Dennis Quaid and Meg Ryan, how about that! I love the story and the twists and turns, and I am fond of the Sci-Fi AI Robot genre of things. I am a big Bladerunner fan and love both of those futuristic AI Robotic humanoid filled movies. It is a twisty turny thrilling Sci-Fi Movie that leaves you rooting for who you thought was the bad guy in the end.

Yes, yes and yes on Companion.

I am a Sophie Thatcher and Companion Fan now!

Two Thumbs Up!