Directed By: Nia DaCosta
Written By: Alex Garland
Cinematography: Sean Bobbitt
Editor: Jake Roberts
Cast: Ralph Fiennes, Alfie Williams, Jack O’Connell, Erin Kellyman, Emma Laird, Chi Lewis-Parry, Mirren Mack, Louis Ashbourne Serkis, Connor Newall
As Spike is inducted into Jimmy Crystal’s gang on the mainland, Dr. Kelson makes a discovery that could alter the world.
A sequel, the second film in a plan trilogy of 28 years later continues from where the last film left off with a refines still running his patch of land and dealing with the tree trunk Alpha zombie known as Sampson and strangely finding him as a savage companion. yet also trying to cure him. Yes again there is full frontal.
the character of Spike is introduced in indoctrinated into the gang of the Jimmy’s and violent apocalyptic cult based on the Teletubbies and the late disgraced comedian Jimmy Saville
As they wear color coated, Adidas track suits and wigs the same color and style as Jimmy Savile lead by a self appointed leader, who says that Satan speaks to him, and that they are his hand to save and savage those they come across unless they can prove themselves in a fight, one on one, then they can join the gang
Two parallel plot lines that you know eventually are going to have to intersect, but getting there is quite brutal. This film is much more violent than the first 28 YEARS LATER, but is also kind of more savage did that film in on screen violence against uninfected, humans and psychologically.
That leads to question what is worse those who are infected, and don’t know any better going off what they believe their thoughts and mind is telling them or humans who choose to massacre and pillage by choice rather than necessity
It also shows the danger of idolatry and believing in false gods and how it can lead down a dark road, leaving you worse for where if not completely destroying you, as you do the bidding of the one you have faith in who has you commit things against your own morals for them getting your own hands dirty for their sins.
As the Jimmy’s are all young, looking for survival and needing something to believe in and here comes this so-called leader who brainwashes them and use them for his own ends, giving way to darker impulses just as the real life Jimmy Savile was well beloved, but a monster who sexually abuse children and women in plain sight, but was so beloved no one dared think bad of him and even celebrated him.
Now, while all that is going on the film does keep up the tension, action and thrills throughout and director needed. DaCosta gets to build off of the world that was created by Danny Boyle in the first film working with the same Screenwriter Alex Garland here we get more of the desperate landscape away from the small village of the first film that we got glimpses and travel through, but now get a little more into the different settlements and mindset of those who have made it on this mainland for so long
Wow, this is certainly a thrill for fans of the franchise in those following discontinuing story. It still doesn’t feel a satisfactory as it’s supposed to be a continuation, though it feels more like a sequel. As for some this film will remind them of STAR WARS: THE LAST JEDI after THE FORCE AWAKENS as well. It continues. The story of characters were introduced in the first film. It feels like a side step a side story or a level that the characters have to go through to make it to the next one the finale, though it also gains some new characters or at least one to continue onto the next one and eliminate some that were introduced in the first film. It also charged the evolution of the characters. Expanding the corners of the lands.
Though with all of this discovery, for some odd reason, it doesn’t come across as ultimately fulfilling it’s not worthy, but for some odd reason, it feels like there should be more, and I say this as a fan of the franchise and films.
At least this one has a little bit more of a slight sense of humor, even if dark at times as well as refines having more screen time and still managing to steal the movie
The middle of the film even has a long drawn out scene at a survival farmhouse that becomes a torture session that feels elongated. It might remind some viewers of the movie DETROIT only thankfully here it is more made up by Screenwriter, whereas unfortunately what happened in the movie DETROIT is based on historical fact.
It also has a few more pop, culture references, and music hits rather than any original score or soundtrack that was quite strong and helped support the first film of this current hopefully trilogy.
It hints at rather than opens up all these deep meanings, ideas and thoughts made. Truly giving you something to think about afterwards and more than just simple entertainment.
The cast is all excellent especially one of my favorite actors Ralph Fiennes, the scene stealer of the film is Erin Kellyman, as one of the rebellious jimmy’s
The film is in a failure by any means and should delight most audience has messed up as it ends up being though it’s just not a total victory. But leaves you with plenty to think about if you choose to look past, the film has just entertain entertainment.
It also involves an ending that helps to bring the film’s full circle and stay connected.
Grade: B-
Cut To The Chase 