We probably don’t need another zombie movie, but we do need more work from Alfie Williams.
An absolute charmer in “28 Years Later,” Williams helps us understand this bizarre world where the uninfected live on a British island while zombies congregate on the mainland.
Pegged as a hunter, Williams' 12-year-old Spike is sent on a rite of passage with his father, Jamie (Aaron Taylor-Johnson), to the place where naked zombies run in herky-jerky fashion and attack everything. While the two make it back to their home, there’s something about the new place that nags at the boy.
His mother (the heartfelt Jodie Comer) is suffering from an illness and could be helped by a doctor in this foreign place. Sensing he could be the conduit, Spike plots a journey of his own and takes his mother with him.
There, in some boneyard of sorts, is the doctor (Ralph Fiennes) who has a feeling about the illness. When mom decides to take the physician’s advice, “28 Years Later” becomes a journey that’s impossible to forget, largely because the boy makes it so acceptable.
Meanwhile, activity back on the island has a creepy “Midsommar” feel that suggests it isn’t any better than the world they’re avoiding. Fiennes’ character has found peace with the zombies and has specific methods to keep them at bay.
Directed by Danny Boyle, “28 Years Later” has plenty of cinematic tricks in its bag (even cellphones were employed as cameras) and an off-putting way of making us wonder if the presence of a plague is worth fighting.
Only one zombie has any hint of a personality and he’s largely around because a female is about to give birth. Comer enters that scenario, too, reinforcing her views on parenting. Even though dad and son have their moments, it’s easy to see where the real bond lies.
Williams’ gestures, facial expressions and hugs resonate entirely, making him the reason this story needed to be told. He’s already been cast in a sequel, which should wrap up other unfinished business.
Boyle, who got a superior performance out of Dev Patel in “Slumdog Millionaire,” has a knack for exposing raw emotions. Here, he doesn’t need a zombie to rip away the flesh, just a 12-year-old with a cauldron full of compassion.
Don’t forget Williams when next year’s acting prizes are discussed. He’s the real deal and "28 Years Later" is his calling card.
