The rage virus has never stopped. It’s evolved, devouring the world for nearly three decades since the outbreak in 28 Days Later. Now, visionary director Danny Boyle and screenwriter Alex Garland return to the universe they helped define—this time, telling an emotionally raw, family-centered story in 28 Years Later, hitting Philippine cinemas on June 18.

Set in an unforgiving world teetering between survival and collapse, the film places the spotlight on one isolated family fighting to preserve their humanity—no matter how dark things get.

Meet the Survivors: Jamie, Isla, and Spike

At the heart of the story is Jamie (played by Aaron Taylor-Johnson), a fiercely protective husband hardened by survival. His wife, Isla (Jodie Comer), faces a mysterious illness, intensifying the emotional weight of their battle. Together, they raise their son Spike (Alfie Williams), a resourceful young boy learning to navigate the infected wasteland under his father’s guidance.

“Alex came up with this idea centered around a family. It is inventive writing, in a way that was exciting for everyone involved and helped make us feel like we were making an original film, and not a sequel,” Boyle explains.

Watch the behind-the-scenes Imagine vignette here:

An Apocalypse with Heart

While 28 Years Later is steeped in tension and horror, its emotional core lies in the deeply human relationships—especially between father and son. Taylor-Johnson describes Jamie as a man shaped by necessity, teaching Spike to survive while grappling with the cost of that hard-earned wisdom.

“You see the pressure that Jamie is putting on him to grow up a little bit quicker than he is supposed to,” Taylor-Johnson continues. “He’s trying to give Spike the tools he needs in this new world. Jamie wants Spike to have his independence. There is so much heart and soul between the father and the son.”

Comer echoes this sentiment, highlighting the profound bond between Spike and his ailing mother. “Spike and Isla provide a real thread of humanity and emotion, while coping and surviving in this incredibly dangerous situation,” says Jodie Comer.

Real Connections Behind the Camera

The authenticity onscreen is fueled by genuine offscreen chemistry. Taylor-Johnson formed a mentor-like bond with young Alfie Williams, mirroring their characters’ relationship. Director Boyle recounts seeing Aaron coaching Alfie through scenes, from breathing exercises to emotional preparation.

“Aaron loved taking responsibility for Alfie, looking after a young lad who was experiencing it all for the first time,” Boyle says. “I’d often find Aaron teaching Alfie about breathing and making sure he was ready for a scene. The other beautiful thing is that we’d see Alfie begin to copy Aaron in his prep.”

Witness the Rage Return – June 18

Mark your calendars: 28 Years Later opens in Philippine cinemas on June 18, distributed by Columbia Pictures, the local office of Sony Pictures Releasing International. This thrilling continuation of a genre-defining saga explores not just survival, but what it means to love, protect, and endure when the world ends.

Stay connected with #28YearsLater and tag @columbiapicph for the latest updates.

_{Photo & Video Credit: “Columbia Pictures”}