Danny Boyle and Alex Garland have consistently pushed boundaries in their cinematic creations, offering daring storytelling and visually striking films that are filled with high-stakes narratives, captivating emotions, and memorable characters. Their collaborative works, including the original “28 Days Later”, often take big risks and deliver breathtaking visuals, intriguing stories, and unforgettable personalities. Additionally, they occasionally explore the darker, more complex aspects of human nature. All these elements are prominently featured in this year’s British horror drama, “28 Years Later”. The story revolves around a Britain that has been isolated for decades following the outbreak of the Rage Virus, and the survivors who remain. The eagerly awaited sequel also incorporates references to real-world atrocities, one of which may be particularly unsettling for British viewers. Lately, Boyle and Garland have spoken about the controversial ending of the film and why it holds significance for the trilogy as a whole.
WARNING: Spoilers below for 28 Years Later
In an interview with Eammon Jacobs for Business Insider, Boyle and Garland discuss Jack O’Connell’s portrayal of the adult Jimmy in the shocking finale of “28 Years Later”. Initially, we see Jimmy as a child at the start of the movie when the infection is first spreading across Britain. He tragically witnesses the brutal murder of his sisters and the rest of his family, including his priest father who views this as Judgment Day and embraces death. Miraculously escaping the chaos caused by the infected, Jimmy survives. In the bleak, isolated dystopia that Britain has become three decades later, Jimmy transforms into Sir Jimmy Crystal, a charismatic cult leader whose character seems to be based on the infamous real-life British figure and sexual predator, Jimmy Savile.
@eammonj94
In my latest film review, I delve into the chilling world of “28 Years Later” – not to be confused with its predecessors, “28 Days Later” and “28 Weeks Later.” This time around, visionary directors Danny Boyle and Alex Garland team up once more, weaving an intricate narrative that centers on Jack O’Connell’s enigmatic character.
While I don’t want to give away any spoilers, I can say that O’Connell’s portrayal is nothing short of exceptional. His character, a complex and conflicted individual, navigates through the horrors of a post-apocalyptic world in ways that are both heart-wrenching and gripping.
The film’s climax, which I won’t spoil, leaves you questioning the very nature of humanity, love, and survival. It’s a testament to Boyle and Garland’s storytelling prowess that they manage to keep us on the edge of our seats even after three films in this series.
Joining O’Connell are an exceptional cast including Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Jodie Comer, Alfie Williams, Ralph Fiennes, and a surprising appearance by Jimmie Savile – yes, you read that right! The ensemble brings depth and nuance to their roles, making the film a true cult classic in the making.
If you’re a fan of horror movies or just enjoy a well-crafted story, “28 Years Later” is a must-watch. Keep an eye out for my full interview with Boyle, Garland, and the cast soon on FilmTalk, FilmTok, MovieTok, and more!
♬ original sound – Eammon Jacobs
Jim Savile was a renowned British disc jockey and media figure for many years, holding significant influence over the nation’s culture. He is most famously recognized for hosting “Top of the Pops” in the 1960s and presenting “Jim’ll Fix It” from the 1970s to the 1990s, where children would write letters requesting wishes, which Savile would grant on each episode. However, following his death in 2011, hundreds of allegations surfaced claiming that he was a notorious child abuser. The BBC reported that Savile exploited his fame to prey on his victims for decades. Tragically, it was later disclosed that the BBC “passed up chances to prevent ‘monstrous’ abuse… due to a culture of fear.
In the movie “28 Years Later,” there’s a striking resemblance between Jimmy, played by Jimmy O’Connell, and the real-life figure Jim Savile. This is evident in their unique attire: blonde wigs, vibrant tracksuits, and flashy jewelry, which seems to echo a grotesque Savile Halloween costume. A simple internet search confirms this resemblance. It’s clear that the filmmakers intended to draw on Savile as a model for such a significant character. As explained in the TikTok clip above, Boyle and Garland designed Jimmy to be connected to the central theme of memory in their trilogy, exploring how memories shape each character’s vision of building a better world.
As a dedicated enthusiast, I can’t help but express my excitement about the potential film and trilogy, which seem to be deeply rooted in the themes of reflection and progression. Garland himself described it as an exploration of gazing back and moving forward, and the delicate balance between yearning for a brighter future or actively striving to create one. It’s also about shaping our current reality based on past worlds… The fascinating aspect of retrospection is how our memory can be selective, choosing what to keep and forgetting the rest, often with a touch of distortion. And it’s undeniable that we are currently immersed in a period defined by a distorted perception of the past.
In this hazy recollection, he holds on to certain details and transforms them into visual representations for his audience, Boyle stated.
In this story, memory plays a significant role, particularly Isla’s memory loss due to cancer, Jamie’s tendency to exaggerate or lie about past events, and Dr. Kelson’s fixation on death and remembering the deceased. It’s intriguing how Boyle and Garland link this theme with the UK’s collective memory of Savile and how it might influence the character of Jimmy in the upcoming sequel, “28 Years Later: The Bone Temple.
As a dedicated movie enthusiast, let me rephrase that for you: In the beginning of the film “28 Years Later,” it’s clear that Jimmy and his sisters were immersed in the children’s shows popular during their time, such as Teletubbies, and might have also caught Savile’s show. A horrific incident from his childhood left deep scars on Jimmy, which may have blended with the few joyful memories he had prior to the outbreak, mainly the TV characters and personalities that were part of his life in the ’90s. His religious upbringing, as evidenced by the cross he wears upside down like the Jimmies hang the infected, also played a significant role. All these factors could influence how Jimmy’s adult persona as a cult leader shapes his vision for an ideal world, which he believes can be achieved by rebuilding it based on a selective past that he finds appealing.
Influenced by memories and nostalgia, Spike (Alfie Williams) might view Jimmy and his crew in a positive light. As we see at the start of “28 Years Later“, before Spike sets off with his father on their first mainland journey, one of his toys is a red Power Ranger figure. Although the conclusion seems strange with its parkour stunts and bright tracksuits, from Spike’s point of view, this group could resemble the colorful Power Rangers he remembers, saviors who rescued him, much like how he might imagine the Power Rangers saving him. Despite having limited exposure to these popular TV characters and no experience with the movies or series prior to quarantine and the infected, Spike’s cherished Power Ranger toy plays a significant role in his childhood memories. This initial, seemingly heroic encounter could contribute to the attraction and trust that Spike feels for the charming Jimmy in the future.
In the closing scenes of “28 Years Later“, when Spike shakes Jimmy’s hand, it sets a chilling atmosphere for the young boy, considering his mother’s death, his disenchantment with his father, and his upbringing in the somewhat subtle yet dangerous community on Lindisfarne. Viewers are left anticipating what will happen next with a sense of foreboding.
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2025-06-27 20:41