28 Years Later Ending Explained: Who Is Jimmy and What Does His Arrival Mean?

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*Warning: 28 Years Later spoilers ahead.*

Without a doubt, the recently released zombie sequel, titled “28 Years Later,” currently gracing UK movie screens, will undoubtedly spark plenty of lively debate and excitement among fans.

The movie boasts an intriguing array of unconventional directorial moves and unexpected plot twists, with these elements being most noticeable in its ending. Here, it suddenly shifts from a profoundly emotional scene of grief to an absurdly action-packed confrontation, complete with the introduction of a captivating new figure.

The movie begins by showing a short initial scene from when the Rage Virus first emerged, but then jumps forward – as one might expect – 28 years later. Most of the action takes place around the character of Spike (Alfie Williams), who is 12 and lives with his father Jamie (Aaron Taylor-Johnson) and ailing mother Isla (Jodie Comer) on the island of Lindisfarne.

In the movie, their community lies isolated from the infected tumult of the mainland via a causeway. At the start of the film, it’s revealed that Spike has to embark on his initial journey beyond the safety of the island for a significant rite of passage.

Afterward, the movie maintains a fast pace, delivering viewers an intense, at times unsettling, journey that ultimately culminates in the mysterious finale mentioned earlier.

If you’ve watched the movie and would like a summary and analysis of its concluding scenes, as well as speculation about how they connect with the upcoming sequel, then read further to unravel the mysteries of the 28 Days Later ending.

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28 Years Later ending explained – full spoilers

During their journey to the mainland for Spike’s rite of passage with his father, there was one intriguing sight that stood out: a blaze they noticed while taking refuge from a group of infected.

Upon returning home, Spike brings up the topic of the bonfire to his grandfather, who speculates that the man responsible for it might be Dr Ian Kelson – a former physician, now believed to have grown progressively mad. Rumors suggest he’s constructing an odd, ritualistic monument in memory of everyone who has perished since the onset of the Rage Virus.

Upon learning that a doctor is nearby, Spike sees a chance to uncover the cause of his mother’s illness. With this in mind, he makes up his mind to secretly take Isla and travel to the mainland, aiming to locate Dr. Kelson. Hopefully, he might be able to diagnose and treat her unexplained condition.

During their journey, they cross paths with a Swedish NATO soldier named Erik Sundqvist. They also come across a pregnant infected woman who delivers a baby that surprisingly seems uninfected. A heated debate ensues over what to do with the infant, but before any decision can be made, Erik is fatally attacked by an Alpha (the deadliest type of zombie). The Alpha is eventually subdued with a tranquilizer dosed with morphine, which was fired by Kelson. Upon seeing this, Spike and Isla are greeted by Kelson.

Following a tour of his massive, somewhat unsettling sanctuary – built using the remains of those perished from the infection – he carefully assesses Isla and shares heart-wrenching information: her illness is incurable terminal cancer, with only limited time left.

He suggests that the most appropriate step is to put her to sleep humanely, and following some deep discussions about death among the group, Spike takes leave of his mom emotionally, then carries out this decision. Later, he puts his mother’s skull at the highest point of the temple.

Following another narrow encounter with an Alpha, Spike momentarily goes back home before departing, leaving the newly born baby (whom he’s named Isla, after his mom) there, as well as a message for his father and the other island residents.

The note clarifies that contrary to popular belief, Dr. Kelson isn’t insane; instead, he plans on heading back to the mainland. Unfortunately for Jamie, the tide is too high, making it impossible to cross the causeway in pursuit of him.

Who is Jack O’Connell’s Jimmy in 28 Years Later?

From a die-hard cinema enthusiast’s perspective, the movie concludes with one last scene that unfolds 28 days later, right back on the mainland. I find myself standing beside Spike as he’s ambushed yet again by another swarm of the infected, and honestly, his chances of making it through seem rather slim at first.

Until an unconventional gang of outlaws, headed by a figure portrayed by Jack O’Connell (introducing himself as Jimmy), dressed in a tracksuit and adorned with numerous jewelry pieces, step in to aid him, he was in a predicament.

Jimmy and his group, in an unexpected change of mood, mercilessly eliminate the nearby infected with various weapons, including numerous beheadings, as loud heavy metal music echoes around them.

Initially, this development appears beneficial for Spike, considering his precarious situation prior to Jimmy’s arrival and those accompanying him. However, whispers hint at something potentially darker that could be woven into the upcoming film – 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple – where it seems likely that Jimmy will assume a significant role.

In relation to Jimmy’s identity, his appearance recalls the first scene of the movie, where a group of Scottish kids were watching Teletubbies at the onset of the rage virus outbreak. Out of this incident, Jimmy was the sole survivor who has since matured into the man encountered by Spike, and who seems to be leading a cult-like group.

There were instances where he was subtly mentioned in the movie: for one, his name was etched onto the torso of an infected that Spike and his father stumbled upon during their first visit to the mainland; in another scene, a house in the background bore graffiti with his name.

Based on these situations, it’s evident that Jimmy seems to lead a group of men dressed similarly to himself, which strongly implies he has gained significant influence. Moreover, there’s a strong possibility this influence may not always be positive.

I find it intriguing to point out that his distinctive appearance – complete with a blonde wig, vibrant tracksuit, and an abundance of jewelry – has sparked speculation about potential inspiration drawn from Jimmy Savile. This only adds fuel to the theory that his actions in the upcoming sequel may take a sinister turn.

We can’t wait to find out how things unfold in the next installment, particularly the encounter between Jimmy and Dr. Kelson.

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2025-06-20 16:36