28 Days Later

28 Days Later

Year: 2002

Runtime: 113 mins

Language: English

Director: Danny Boyle

Budget: $8M

Science FictionHorrorThrillerHorror the undead and monster classicsIntense violence and sexual transgression

Twenty‑eight days after a deadly virus escapes a British research lab, a handful of London survivors must fight to stay alive as the infection spreads through both animals and people. The pathogen turns anyone it infects into violent, homicidal maniacs, making containment seem impossible.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen 28 Days Later yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline & Setting – 28 Days Later (2002)

Explore the full timeline and setting of 28 Days Later (2002). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Early 2000s

The outbreak unfolds in contemporary Britain, where a mysterious contagious virus spreads quickly through society. The timeline compresses a month of chaos, with survivors moving by foot and makeshift transport between evacuation points. The sense of urgency and modern urban life anchors the story in a recent historical moment.

Location

London, Cambridge (laboratory), Deptford, Manchester, Balfron Tower, Cumbria

The action traverses a modern Britain suddenly emptied by infection. It begins in Cambridge where the chimpanzee lab is located, moves through London streets, then to a makeshift shelter in a Manchester blockade, and finally to remote countryside areas like Balfron Tower and Cumbria. The settings shift from claustrophobic interiors to exposed roofs and abandoned shops, underscoring the collapse of society.

🗺️ Post-apocalyptic Britain 🌆 Urban ruins 🚨 Quarantine zones

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 12:29

Main Characters – 28 Days Later (2002)

Meet the key characters of 28 Days Later (2002), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Jim (Cillian Murphy)

A bicycle courier who awakens from a coma to a deserted London. He is pragmatic, resourceful, and driven by a need to reunite with his family, gradually taking on a leadership role among the survivors. His reactions oscillate between cautious cooperation and fierce determination as danger escalates.

🧭 Survivor 🧠 Resourceful 💔 Determined

Selena (Naomie Harris)

A strong, protective survivor who forms a bond with Jim and Hannah. She makes hard choices, including killing when necessary to shield others. She embodies practicality and emotional resolve in a crisis.

🛡️ Protector 🧭 Pragmatic 💪 Resilient

Hannah (Meagan Burns)

A young girl who travels with Jim and Selena, her presence humanizes the group and provides hope for the future. Her innocence contrasts with the surrounding violence, anchoring the trio's motivation to survive.

👶 Child 🧭 Hopeful 💞 Family-centered

Frank (Brendan Gleeson)

A cab driver who seeks sanctuary for himself and his daughter Hannah. He offers practical help but is killed after a moment of betrayal and infection, highlighting how quickly survival bonds can fracture.

🚗 Driver 🕯️ Shelter seeker 💥 Tragic

Major Henry West (Christopher Eccleston)

A charismatic military leader who turns sanctuary into a coercive trap to sustain his troop. He embodies the seductive lure of control and the moral cost of maintaining a 'future' for humanity.

🏰 Commander ⚔️ Authoritarian 🕷️ Manipulative

Sergeant Farrell (Stuart McQuarrie)

A loyal soldier who provides the counterpoint to West's tyranny. He warns Jim about West's false promises and stands up for a more humane approach, temporarily challenging the regime.

🪖 Soldier 🗣️ Moral compass 🕊️ Conflict

Private Mailer (Marvin Campbell)

An infected soldier kept chained for observation who ultimately helps Jim by becoming a vector that enables the escape from the fortress. His presence blurs lines between ally and threat.

🧬 Infected 🗝️ Key to escape 🕯️ Catalyst

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 12:29

Major Themes – 28 Days Later (2002)

Explore the central themes of 28 Days Later (2002), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🧭 Survival

Survival drives every decision as the group navigates an infected landscape and the breakdown of infrastructure. Trust becomes scarce, forcing risky choices and moments of self-sacrifice. The narrative focuses on who is willing to do whatever it takes to stay alive.

🦠 Contagion

The virus reshapes society as fear and infection spread unchecked. Quarantine and military control highlight the fragility of civilization and the desperate measures people take to shield themselves. The infected are both a physical threat and a symbol of lost safety.

🏰 Authority and Morality

The fortified sanctuary run by Major West reveals how power can corrupt hope, turning survival into coercion. Characters grapple with moral choices when confronted by life-and-death circumstances. The story contrasts protective instincts with exploitative control.

🌤️ Hope and Reunion

Despite chaos, the final scenes emphasize human connection and resilience. Jim, Selena, and Hannah cling to a sense of possibility, signaling that even in a ruined world, solidarity can outlast despair. The closing gesture of greeting a distant jet offers a glimmer of contact with the outside world.

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 12:29

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Unlock the Full Story of 28 Days Later

Don't stop at just watching — explore 28 Days Later in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what 28 Days Later is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

28 Days Later Summary

Read a complete plot summary of 28 Days Later, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

28 Days Later Summary

28 Days Later Timeline

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28 Days Later Timeline

28 Days Later Spoiler-Free Summary

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28 Days Later Spoiler-Free Summary

More About 28 Days Later

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