A 2002 classic has just been quietly dropped onto BBC iPlayer after years of being unavailable to stream – and its fans are hailing it as “flawless.”
The masterful direction of Danny Boyle shines in the film, which sees a band of animal rights activists inadvertently setting off a catastrophic viral outbreak. This new ‘rage’ virus doesn’t just kill; it transforms the infected into frenzied, sprinting creatures – a terrifying departure from the traditional shambling undead in horror films.
Audiences are shown the chilling events of 28 Days Later through the perspective of Jim (played by Cillian Murphy), a bike courier who comes round from a coma to an unsettlingly deserted London, one month post-outbreak.
Fans saw a continuation of the terrifying saga in 28 Weeks Later (2007), charting the aftermath half a year later, and now a forthcoming chapter awaits with this week’s cinematic release – 28 Years Later. Danny Boyle is back at the helm for the newest instalment, set almost three decades on from the initial mayhem.
With the upcoming film stirring excitement, fans have been hard-pressed to stream 28 Days Later until now – a snag attributed to rights issues, recently resolved by Sony claiming ownership, reports Surrey Live.
Horror fans are in for a treat as BBC iPlayer has just added the cult classic to its film library, allowing fans to watch the movie completely free of charge.
Unfortunately, those eager to catch the sequel, 28 Weeks Later, will have to look elsewhere as it’s not available on iPlayer. The follow-up is currently streaming on platforms such as Netflix, Apple TV, Amazon Prime, and can be accessed on Disney+ with a premium subscription.
The original film continues to be a fan favourite, receiving glowing reviews even years after its release. One viewer enthused: “The movie is flawless with the amazing background score. Every second is gripping because of those running zombies with some well-made, emotional scenes.”
“I loved every bit of it. In love with the way Danny Boyle made this masterpiece. 10/10 go watch it.”
A different fan wrote: “This is a story about human connection and learning that there’s more to life in the apocalypse than merely surviving. The film is low quality and has a lot of dialogue rather than action, but there are certain scenes from this film that scared me enough to sit with me for years.”
Meanwhile a third shared their high regard for the film, saying: “Probably one of the best zombie films ever made. Whilst the acting isn’t the greatest the locales and attention to detail were astounding, famous landmarks with no random floaters in the background is a feat in itself.”
28 Days Later is now available to stream free on BBC iPlayer. 28 Years Later is out in cinemas June 19.