The Rotten Tomatoes scores for 28 Years Later are in, but there is a surprising divide between critics and audiences. Directed by Danny Boyle, the latest installment takes place nearly three decades after the rage virus plagued Britain, but remains contained in the mainland. A teenager named Spike (Alfie Williams) ventures onto the mainland for the first time as he comes across different variants of the infected. Ahead of its release, reviews for 28 Years Later were very positive, with ScreenRant‘s Mary Kᴀssel awarding it a 7 out of 10 stars. As a result, the newest installment has broken a Rotten Tomatoes record, with the horror franchise’s best score at 92%.

With 28 Years Later now in theaters, audience response is starting to become available on Rotten Tomatoes. Unlike critics, audiences seemed to be a bit more divided on the newest installment, leading to a 68% Popcornmeter based on over 500 ratings. While this is not the franchise’s lowest, as 28 Weeks Later holds that тιтle at 66%, the original 2003 continues to be the best-rated among viewers.

Why Are Audiences More Divided On 28 Years Later

The Bizarre Cliffhanger & Bold Creative Choices Seem To Be The Defining Factor

The mixed audience reception for 28 Years Later is pretty surprising, given its potential and hype ahead of its release. The first trailer left a lasting impression, especially with the eerie recitation of Rudyard Kipling poem “Boots.” It became one of the most-watched horror trailers and even won several awards at the Golden Trailer Awards. Despite positive early reactions, it seems that the final product didn’t resonate as well with audiences.

Even though the horror film is unconventional and stylish, some of the criticisms stem from the movie’s tonal shifts, experimental visuals, and a few plot decisions about the infected. In particular, 28 Years Later illustrates a few infected kills with slow-motion effects, which many have complained disrupts the thrill factor due to its odd editing choice. In addition, the third installment introduces a new lore about the infected, including one major twist. However, audiences have reacted jarringly to this bold creative decision, with many feeling it deviates too much from the franchise’s overall myth.

The most critical part of the movie happens to be the tonal changes, especially as it reaches the climax. Without any spoilers, 28 Years Later does end with a cliffhanger that unexpectedly shifts to satire and concludes abruptly. It feels out of place and bizarre since it follows not long after a deeply emotional scene between Spike and his mother, Isla (Jodie Comer). Furthermore, there seems to already be some controversy behind a character’s reveal, with many UK audiences noticing similarities to the infamous English personality, Jimmy Savile.

Our Take On 28 Years Later’s Divisive Rotten Tomatoes Score

This Reception May Impact The Next Two Movies & Not In A Good Way

While 28 Years Later showcases a beautiful story about a changed world and the themes of death, the climax may have been the tipping stone that could honestly impact the rest of the trilogy. The tonal change has many audiences concerned about what 28 Years Later: Bone Temple will entail for Spike’s next venture and whether its comical ending hints at a major deviation for the horror franchise.

At the same time, it also raises questions about whether this creative choice may have come at an expense, given that the third movie has yet to be funded and filmed. Boyle has confirmed the predicament, as the fate of the concluding installment will depend on the movie’s success. While 28 Years Later is expected to do well at the box office, it wouldn’t be surprising if the divisive response deters some audiences from seeing the movie. Overall, it seems that some of the creative decisions may have come at a huge gamble, and with audiences being very forthright, the trilogy could be in trouble.

28 Years Later: Bone Temple will release in theaters on January 16, 2026.

Source: Rotten Tomatoes