The Ending Of 28 Years Later Explained

Contains spoilers for “28 Years Later”

The movie titled “28 Days Later” is widely recognized as a horror classic. On Reddit, it’s often hailed as the greatest zombie film ever produced. Although the infectees aren’t traditional zombies, the claim that it deserves

Is it worth the wait to see “28 Years Later”? Opinions are split among viewers, with some finding the movie captivating due to its impressive cinematography and grim narrative as depicted by Looper’s review. However, the controversial final scene and open-ended conclusion appear to be causing disagreement among audiences. On social media, debates about the film’s strengths and weaknesses are ongoing. At present, the movie has an 89% positive rating from critics on Rotten Tomatoes, but it only has a 65% audience score.

Discussions about movies are among the most enjoyable aspects of being a film enthusiast. It’s fascinating to see how people can have such diverse perspectives after watching the same movie. For instance, while some might argue that “28 Years Later” deserves a spot on our list of top zombie films from the 21st century, others might find it underwhelming. Let’s delve into the ending of “28 Years Later,” particularly those final scenes, to figure out why some viewers have such negative reactions. Analyzing these concluding moments may provide fresh insights into the movie or, at the very least, clarify what we can anticipate in “28 Years Later: The Bone Temple.

What you need to remember about the plot of 28 Years Later

28 years after the Rage Virus outbreak, the British Isles remain under lockdown due to infected roamers. On an isolated island village lives Jamie (Aaron Taylor-Johnson) and his 12-year-old son, Spike (Alfie Williams). As part of a rite of passage, they journey to the mainland to hunt the infected. Nearly escaping with their lives, Spike discovers a fire while on the mainland and later finds out that Dr. Ian Kelson (Ralph Fiennes) is nearby. Intrigued by this knowledge, Spike realizes that Dr. Kelson may be able to help his ailing mother who suffers from headaches and memory loss. Despite no one else understanding her condition, Spike harbors hope that a true doctor could provide assistance for her.

In a stealthy manner, Spike secretly takes his mom, Isla (played by Jodie Comer), out of the village and returns her to the mainland. During an assault by infected creatures, Spike and Isla are fortunately rescued by Erik (Edvin Ryding), a Swedish NATO soldier whose team’s ship sank, leaving him as the lone survivor. While traveling, they also come across an infected woman carrying a child who isn’t affected by the virus. Later, Erik and Isla meet Dr. Kelson, a man who has been living among the infected for a prolonged period. He has the ability to subdue these creatures with darts containing morphine. Dr. Kelson guides them to his safe haven, which is decorated with human skulls on pillars.

What happened at the end of 28 Years Later?

In this rephrased version, Dr. Kelson diagnoses Isla with an advanced stage of cancer that has reached her brain. With no known cure available, Dr. Kelson makes the difficult decision to render Spike unconscious and administer a peaceful end-of-life solution to Isla, in accordance with her wishes. In parting, he shares two Latin phrases with Spike: “Memento mori” (remember that you must die) and “Memento amoris” (remember to love). These words underscore the film’s message that even amidst despair, there remains a place for both beauty and hope. Once Isla has passed away, Dr. Kelson returns her skull to Spike, who places it atop his own growing collection of skulls—a tower constructed by Dr. Kelson himself.

After naming the baby Isla, Spike carries her back to his island village. However, he doesn’t live with her. Instead, he writes a note explaining that she was born from an infected mother but is perfectly healthy. Meanwhile, he decides to stay on the mainland, aiming to create a fresh identity for himself free from his father’s control. The movie later skips forward 28 days when Spike encounters a mob of infected.

In a desperate attempt to escape, Spike comes across an insurmountable obstacle. At the brink of despair, a man named Jimmy (Jack O’Connell) appears and extends a hand. He leads a group of fellow Jimmies who annihilate the infected with extraordinary parkour skills combined with moves reminiscent of Power Rangers. Jimmy invites Spike to join his crew, which he accepts. However, as we’ll uncover, there are several valid concerns that Spike should have regarding his new companions.

Who is Jimmy at the end of 28 Years Later?

In “28 Years Later,” the scene towards the end where Jimmy appears marks a significant return to the movie’s starting point. The film opens with children watching Teletubbies, and among them is a young blonde boy named Jimmy. As the story unfolds, it becomes clear that the adult male character played by Jack O’Connell at the end of the film is none other than this little boy grown up, as confirmed by director Danny Boyle.

Sadly, it’s the adults within the structure who have been affected by the ‘rage’ virus, causing them to attack the young ones. Jimmy manages to flee and finds refuge in a church, where his father, a clergyman, resides. Instead of shielding his son, the vicar equips him with a crucifix pendant and urges him to leave, as he desires to be devoured by the infected. Upon closer inspection, grown-up Jimmy continues to wear the necklace, but the cross is now hanging backwards, possibly symbolizing that he may no longer adhere to the church’s principles as he once did.

There’s an unsettling quality to Jimmy and his group that can’t be ignored, even though they might be the ones who end up saving Spike. People acquainted with British pop culture will understand why this is so.

Why do the Jimmies look like that?

The following slide contains references to sexual assault.

Jimmy, who could very well be named Jimmy, is accompanied by a group of individuals also known as Jimmy – such as Erin Kellyman’s Jimmy Ink and Emma Laird’s Jimmima. All of them sport bright blonde hair and vibrant tracksuits, giving them an uncanny resemblance to the infamous media personality and DJ, Jimmy Savile. Known for his radio work during the 1970s and ’80s and hosting children’s programs like “Play It Safe,” Savile warned about potential hazards in homes. Despite his widespread popularity and passing away in 2011, it wasn’t until a year after his death that numerous victims accused him of sexual abuse. Many of these allegations involved minors who were abused during the time of the incidents.

In a zombie movie, it might seem strange to link an atrocity like the actions of Jimmy Savile with the storyline. However, given the film’s broader context, it could be plausible. The rage virus outbreak happened in 2002, which means England would have been preoccupied with managing the virus outbreak instead of dealing with the allegations against Savile, as most people in the country would likely have become infected. In this scenario, Jimmy might find solace in watching TV since the adults are busy handling the infected situation. If he was watching “Teletubbies,” it’s possible that he recognized Jimmy Savile and admired him.

When Business Insider inquired about it, director Danny Boyle admitted that the characters Jimmy and his cult were influenced by Savile, and he provided an explanation for this choice. He stated, “It’s like a distorted memory, holding onto fragments and then reimagining them as an iconic depiction for followers.” Screenwriter Alex Garland added, describing O’Connell’s character, “He’s like a colorful kaleidoscope, isn’t he? A bit trippy and messed up.

What does the ending of 28 Years Later mean thematically?

28 Years Later explores the impact of perpetual chaos and brutality on one’s upbringing. Spike witnesses firsthand his father’s infidelity and aggressive outbursts when defied. The island children are compelled to travel to the mainland to eliminate the infected, a potentially dangerous rite of passage. It’s no wonder Spike departs from the village and his father at the end of the movie; he seeks alternative paths and desires to create his unique identity. However, this may prove futile as Spike encounters the Jimmy gang by the film’s end.

Since Jimmy managed to survive, Spike may feel obligated to him. However, their enthusiastic actions while eliminating infected suggest a more complex side to their gang that will be further explored in the sequel. Though the movie’s characters might not know it, there are dark undertones reminiscent of Jimmy Savile’s horrendous actions. The film concludes with a reminder that things aren’t always as idyllic as they seem. It also raises doubts about Spike’s growth: Will he recognize Jimmy’s true nature or be drawn into his group? Ultimately, “28 Years Later” is a story about family and grief, but the ending focuses on temptation.

What does the baby mean for the future of the franchise?

28 Years Later carries a profound sense of despair, but oddly enough, it radiates a glimmer of optimism as well. This is reminiscent of the two phrases Dr. Kelson imparted to Spike – “Remember death” and “Remember love.” Contrasting the gloom, there are flickers of hope in this world, such as the birth of baby Isla, born from an infected mother. Dr. Kelson attributes this to the wondrous nature of the placenta, hinting at the persistence of hope in this world. Although the infected represent a tragedy, Isla could potentially live a completely ordinary life, suggesting that if the current wave of infection subsides, the world might return to normalcy once more.

In the midst of infection, the newborn serves as a gentle reminder that compassion still exists among the infected. As Isla was brought into the world, her mother spared her an attack. This suggests that the infected might not be mindless robots, but rather complex beings with emotions like us. This development could significantly impact the series, according to Jodie Comer who spoke with ComicBook.com, “This moment, I believe, is incredibly profound and may signal a major change or new introduction in the storyline. The presence of this uninfected baby brings a sense of hope.” Even amidst the shadows that lurk in our world, whether it’s toxic masculinity or cults, there’s also beauty to be found. We all will eventually pass away, but until then, let us strive to love one another.

What does the ending of 28 Years Later mean for 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple?

28 years after its initial release, a fresh trilogy commences with the movie titled “28 Years Later: The Bone Temple,” set to captivate audiences in 2026. This swift production is made possible by filming both “28 Years Later” and “The Bone Temple” concurrently, ensuring that fans won’t have a lengthy wait to find out how this tale unfolds.

Temple of Bones” sees the return of Alfie Williams as Spike, focusing on his growing ties with the Jimmy gang. While specifics about the plot are scarce, it could involve Spike joining the gang prior to discovering their true depravity. If any remnants of humanity exist among the infected, the Jimmies likely wouldn’t care, but Spike might be compelled to save them. In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Ralph Fiennes hinted at this theme: “The story revolves around the question of whether innate humanity still lingers in the heart, mind, and soul of an infected person. Are they completely corrupted? Or is there a possibility that something human still remains?

In the upcoming film “The Bone Temple,” Cillian Murphy, known for his role as Jim in “28 Days Later,” is expected to make an appearance, but the extent of this involvement may not be fully revealed yet, according to Danny Boyle’s recent statements to ScreenRant. Essentially, Murphy’s character will serve as a sort of conclusion or addendum to the second movie, hinting that Jim might initially appear briefly, similar to how Jimmy was teased at the end of “28 Days Later.” However, it seems that Jim’s role could become more significant as the story unfolds in “The Bone Temple.

What has director Danny Boyle said about the ending of 28 Years Later?

28 years after its release, the movie may have one of the most startling conclusions of any film, with a sudden change in tone and the introduction of a wandering group modeled after a notorious sexual predator. Director Danny Boyle found this ending fitting due to its disorienting effect and the implications for future installments. In his own words at BAFTA (as reported by LAD Bible), he stated, “It’s shocking, it brings you back to the fact that this is a horror film, but not in the way you might expect. They go on to control the second film.” Boyle further expressed his admiration for its originality, comparing it to “A Clockwork Orange” since its writing was so unique.

One key aspect of “A Clockwork Orange” is its significant impact on cinema, evident in the many similarities with “28 Days Later.” Both films feature gangs of violent individuals who derive pleasure from causing harm. The unique twist lies in the fact that the group known as the Jimmies target mindless zombie-like beings instead of regular people. The conclusion of “28 Days Later” underscores the idea that terror can come in different forms; there’s the fear instilled by the infected, and an entirely distinct terror brought about by human actions.

As stated by Danny Boyle, the essence of “The Bone Temple” will be central to its plot. In an interview with The Independent, he explained, “I asked Alex [Garland] at the outset to explain the fundamental aspect of each film, and he replied that the first film is centered around family, while the second film delves into the essence of evil. More details about them will be revealed in due time when it’s fitting to discuss them further in the second film.

Is there an alternate ending of 28 Years Later?

In a conversation with ScreenRant, Danny Boyle and screenwriter Alex Garland acknowledged that the ending of “28 Days Later” initially wasn’t as unique as it became. They revealed an earlier version had a more conventional conclusion. Garland explained that the final scene, which includes the character Jimmy, was his original idea. He added that in a previous script, Jimmy didn’t even appear at all.

Despite not revealing the exact conclusion, he hinted at making the sequel more unconventional. To put it simply, the ending caught viewers by surprise when they went to watch the movie in theaters. With a sequel confirmed, they took a risk and delivered something out of the ordinary. This gamble proved successful as “28 Years Later” earned $60 million worldwide during its opening weekend, surpassing expectations. It’s no wonder fans are eagerly anticipating how Spike interacts with the Jimmies when “28 Years Later: The Bone Temple” releases in January 2026, one of numerous horror sequels being produced at present.

2025-06-24 15:31