(Credits: Sony Pictures Releasing)

Before the saga of the zombie film franchise opens yet again in 2026, it’s time to take a minute and reflect on how 28 Years Later pulled the curtains this time around, having recently been brought to Netflix. The horror thriller takes place three decades after the disastrous impact of the Rage Virus, which plagued the UK, leaving the major population infected and free to roam the mainland while victimising the non-infected.

Away from the mainland in northern England lives a solitary community trying its best to survive the nightmare-esque reality. 28 Years Later focuses on the story of a father who has been coaching his son to prepare for the perils that lie just across the causeway on the mainland.

The post-apocalyptic horror film was released in the UK and the US back on June 20th. But it recently hit the Netflix shelves on September 20th.

So, if you have already watched 28 Years Later and still have some questions, here’s a thorough explanation of the ending to help you fill in those blanks.

How does the coming-of-age film end?

Directed by Danny Boyle from a script written by Alex Garland, 28 Years Later picks up from the celebratory atmosphere of young Spike’s first kill of an infected on the mainland, away from the Holy Island, when he discovers his father’s illicit affair. While conversing with Jamie’s friend, Sam, the following day, Spike learns about a doctor residing on the mainland. Desperate and determined to aid his sick mother, Isla, he doesn’t think twice before escaping the island to track down Dr Kelson, despite warnings from Sam that the doctor is off his nuts.

Then again, nor is Isla, who’s been in pain for some time now. After tricking the islanders, Spike makes it to the mainland across the causeway with his mother, armed with a bow and arrow. He even kills an infected, attempting to launch an attack on the two. However, the hullabaloo ends up sending a flock towards them, directing them to an isolated gas station for shelter. Although they find a minute’s respite, the bliss doesn’t last too long as the building is filled with noxious gas. Not to forget that the infected are also tailing the mother-son duo.

As the infected invade the gas station, lucky for them, a stray Swedish soldier, Erik, comes to the rescue. He then fires shots from the roof, which opens a hatch, resulting in the entire place bursting into flames. However, Spike and Isla survive, discovering that Erik was left alone after his Navy commanders became victims of the infected. Meanwhile, Isla’s health continues to deteriorate as she struggles to make sense of her surroundings and stay awake.

Shockingly, the mysterious disease that has Isla suffering also keeps her deeply lost in her thoughts. Later, the trio comes across an infected pregnant woman who’s on the verge of giving birth. Isla wastes no time in jumping to help. However, after the baby is born, Erik warns that the baby must be killed because it’s probably infected, only to end up decapitated by an Alpha. Right then, Dr Kelson enters, who has seemingly formed a respectful relationship with the infected and helps the Alpha calm down.

Dr Kelson accompanies Isla, Spike, and the newborn back to his place, the Bone Temple, where he runs a diagnosis on the ailing mother. It’s revealed that she has terminal cancer. Although unsaid, they both acknowledge that it’s time for Isla as Kelson takes her and euthanises her with morphine. He returns with just the skull to be put on top of the Bone Temple to pay tribute to the dead, allowing Spike to do the honour.

After Kelson advises taking the baby to the Holy Island, Spike does so. But he doesn’t linger around on the island. Instead, he drops off the baby with a note addressed to his father, introducing the newborn as Isla and informing him of his decision to return to the mainland. 28 days later, a horde of infected individuals almost manages to overwhelm Spike. But just in time, Sir Jimmy Crystal, alongside his group of Jimmies, saved the day in matching tracksuits and blonde wigs, officially welcoming him to the club.

But who is Sir Jimmy Crystal?

Sir Jimmy Crystal is the leader of the pack Spike encounters at the end of 28 Years Later. He is also the child we are introduced to in the beginning, who witnesses his family getting killed by the zombies. The opening salvo shows children watching The Teletubbies, which is possibly the last thing Jimmy watched and hence, the inspiration for their colourful outfits came. The squad also sports chunky gold necklaces featuring upside-down crosses, which is a nod to the scene where his father welcomed the infected into his church at the start.

What is an Alpha?

The Alphas are a sub-genre of the infected population who have managed to mutate over time. According to Sam, the infection enhances certain entities, making them grow massive.

Is there another movie in the making?

Yes. A follow-up movie is coming up next in 2026, 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple.