Hideo Kojima Shares Thoughts on 28 YEARS LATER and Its Bigger Meaning
Danny Boyle and Alex Garland’s 28 Years Later hit theaters this weekend, and like the infected tearing through mainland Britain, it’s sparked a fierce wave of divided reactions.
Some are praising it as a unique, punk-rock, and thought-provoking return to the rage virus saga, while others are scratching their heads at its direction, especially that ending, which I loved, by the way.
One fan who definitely leaned into admiration is Hideo Kojima.
The legendary Metal Gear and Death Stranding creator recently took to social media to share his thoughts on the film, and unsurprisingly, he went deeper than most.
Kojima didn’t just see it as a horror movie, he saw a layered, meta commentary on the state of the world and a meditation on generational trauma.
Here’s what Kojima had to say:
“I watched '28 Years Later.' It was a 'Danny Boyle x Alex Garland movie' with themes and visuals, drama, music, etc. that sets it apart from other so-called zombie movies. From '28 Days' to '28 Years.'
“It’s been 23 years since the first movie was released. The world and the state of affairs have changed drastically. Everyone today, who experienced the pandemic, understands that it is not realistic to limit a pandemic to the UK alone. Alex understands that, too.
“Therefore, this is not a film about a pandemic; it is a meta-film that warns of an isolated Britain and a divided world. It is also a story of Jimmy growing up under his strict father.
“I wonder if the next film will be a contrasting story of a man with an upbringing unlike Jimmy’s (father and country-less). Cillian Murphy also served as executive producer.”
Kojima’s take highlights how the film isn’t just another rage-fueled bloodbath. It’s a reflection of how the world has changed. The fear of infection is still there, but the focus has shifted.
In the film, “It's been almost three decades since the rage virus escaped a biological weapons laboratory, and now, still in a ruthlessly enforced quarantine, some have found ways to exist amidst the infected.
“One such group of survivors lives on a small island connected to the mainland by a single, heavily-defended causeway. When one of the group leaves the island on a mission into the dark heart of the mainland, he discovers secrets, wonders, and horrors that have mutated not only the infected but other survivors as well.”
Shot on an iPhone 15 Pro Max with the aide of numerous specialized attachments, the movie stars Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Jodie Comer, Jack O'Connell, Erin Kellyman, and Ralph Fiennes.”
This is the first of two movies in the 28 Years Later trilogy, both have already been filmed. Boyle directed the first installment, while Nia DaCosta (Candyman, The Marvels) directed the second, 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple.
Whether you loved the film or not, it’s always fascinating to get Kojima’s read on things.