What began as unrest quickly escalated into something altogether different, from the very start. Danny Boyle directed 28 Days Later, with a script by Alex Garland. The film features Cillian Murphy, Naomie Harris, Megan Burns, Brendan Gleeson, and Christopher Ecclestone. John Murphy composed the music, and Anthony Dod Mantle handled the cinematography. The story unfolds when animal rights activists break into the Cambridge Primate Research Center and disregard a scientist’s warning that releasing chimpanzees injected with an experimental serum called "Rage" would be dangerous. The serum is highly contagious and spreads rapidly. Disregarding this caution, one activist opens a cage, resulting in an attack and bite from a chimp, which quickly leads to the rage spreading among those present. 28 days later... The remarkable quality of Danny Boyle's 28 Days Later is that despite drawing inspiration from zombie films by George Romero and works by John Wyndham and Richard Matheson, it still feels original and exciting. The film has a distinct British feel, particularly in its use of an empty London as the setting for the unfolding terror. There’s also a sense of realism to the small group of survivors; they are imperfect people, ill-prepared for the chaos around them. Unlike typical Hollywood productions, these characters and the landscapes surrounding them seem authentic—special effects are minimal, with handheld digital cameras used instead. The level of realism is something rarely seen in similar films. There are certainly some unbelievable moments, but with the infected moving so quickly and appearing frightening against a stark backdrop, there’s too much enjoyment and tension to worry about minor flaws. Furthermore, the final act alone serves as an example of fast-paced horror, as those who thought they had found safety discover that danger doesn't only come from the infected humans. It’s a thrilling conclusion, filled with blood and frantic action, all underscored by Murphy’s simple yet powerful musical score. It’s understandable why it became a major success in America, after initially making just a small profit in the UK. American audiences seemed to enjoy something so raw within a horror genre that had previously relied on Romero regaining his creative spark. The film ultimately earned over $70 million worldwide—a testament to its appeal. This success paved the way for a sequel, where Boyle and Garland stepped down from directing roles but remained as producers for "28 Weeks Later." While not as raw as the original, it is more graphic and itself a solid horror movie dealing with infection, and a fitting continuation of what Boyle and Garland created in 2002. A strong cast and an intriguing concept combine to create a well-made horror film centered around an outbreak. 8.5/10

Source on TMDB