Director: Nia DaCosta
Cast: Ralph Fiennes, Jack O’Connell, Alfie Williams, Erin Kellyman
Have I Seen it Before: Nope.
Did I Like It: Is it entirely possible that my favorite zombie movie of all time is resolute in its desire to feature the least amount of zombies possible and still be called a zombie movie?
I think it’s certainly possible. My favorite—and it really should have been your favorite—part about last year’s 28 Years Later was Fiennes masterful performance as the simultaneously slightly insane, but also deeply kind Dr. Ian Kelson. On that front, this almost-immediate sequel doubles down on Feinnes and his character. It even let’s Jack O’Connell slowly cement himself as the 21st century’s answer to Donald Pleasance* after last year’s Sinners with another suitably villainous turn.
It’s well made, often very surprising, and as is so often not the case in this genre, the ending is both tragic and satisfying. It is truly a synthesis of the best of last year’s horror.
So, why do I feel so muted about the whole experience. There’s at least something to saying my theater experience attempted to ruin the whole experience. With a screening delayed over half an hour and a concession stand drowning in late stage capitalism, I’ve long since wondered if the multiplex is prepared to live much longer. Now I’m sure their days are numbered.
Really, I think this film is giving me too much of what I wanted from it. O’Connell doesn’t really surprise me here. I know what he is capable of. Kelson as a character isn’t a refreshing bolt of humanity in a genre and film series that could be understood if not quite forgiven for abandoning the human qualities. It’s exactly what I wanted out of it, and I guess I’m looking for films to take the wind out of me.
*I said what I said.