Director Nia DaCosta Open to Interpreting '28 Weeks Later' and '28 Years Later' as a Single Story

The critically acclaimed director, Nia DaCosta, is no stranger to the complex narrative surrounding her back-to-back films, 28 Weeks Later and 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple. With both movies garnering praise for their unique storytelling and atmospheric tension, it's clear that DaCosta has carved out a distinct niche in the horror genre.

The Shared Universe

DaCosta has consistently stated that she views her two films as part of a shared universe. This idea may seem unusual at first glance, but upon closer inspection, it becomes clear that the connections between 28 Weeks Later and 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple are more than superficial.

One of the primary threads tying these films together is the concept of the rage virus, which is introduced in the original 2002 film, 28 Days Later. This genetically engineered pathogen was designed to cure AIDS but ultimately proved to be a deadly mistake, turning those infected into violent, zombie-like creatures.

In 28 Weeks Later, this virus is unleashed upon London, where it spreads rapidly and wreaks havoc on the population. The sequel then jumps forward in time to 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple, where we see the aftermath of this initial outbreak.

The Connection between Characters

Another key aspect of DaCosta's shared universe is the connections between characters from both films. In 28 Weeks Later, we meet Don (Cary Manville), an American doctor who finds himself in the midst of the outbreak. Fast-forward to 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple, and we see that Don has become a key player in the post-apocalyptic world.

Furthermore, the protagonist of 28 Years Later, Alex (Taylor Russell), appears to be connected to Don's character through an unknown past event. This creates an interesting dynamic, as it suggests that events from both films are intertwined in some way.

DaCosta on the Shared Universe

In interviews, DaCosta has stated that she deliberately chose not to provide clear explanations for these connections between her films. Instead, she opted to leave room for interpretation, allowing audiences to piece together their own narrative understanding of the shared universe.

For example, when discussing the character of Don in 28 Weeks Later, DaCosta has mentioned that this film was always intended as a bridge between the original and its sequel. She aimed to create a sense of continuity by exploring the consequences of the rage virus's introduction and the subsequent events that unfolded.

The Bone Temple: A New Chapter

28 Years Later: The Bone Temple can be seen as both a direct continuation of 28 Weeks Later and a new chapter in the larger narrative. This film takes place several years after the events of its predecessor, offering a fresh perspective on the post-apocalyptic world that DaCosta has created.

One notable aspect of The Bone Temple is its introduction of new locations, characters, and plot twists. These additions help to expand upon the shared universe, while also providing opportunities for character growth and development.

Conclusion

Nia DaCosta's shared universe in 28 Weeks Later and 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple represents a bold move within the horror genre. By deliberately blurring the lines between narrative coherence and ambiguity, DaCosta has created an immersive world that rewards close attention and speculation from her audience.

For those eager to unravel the mysteries of this complex shared universe, it is clear that DaCosta's films are not merely individual stories but rather interconnected chapters in a larger narrative. With each film, she continues to challenge our expectations, offering an unforgettable viewing experience that lingers long after the credits roll.

Key Takeaways:

• Nia DaCosta views her two films as part of a shared universe.
• The rage virus is a central element tying these films together.
• Characters from both films appear to be connected through unknown past events.
• DaCosta deliberately chose not to provide clear explanations for the connections between her films, leaving room for interpretation.
• 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple expands upon the shared universe while introducing new characters and plot twists.

Recommendation: If you're interested in exploring Nia DaCosta's back-to-back films, we recommend starting with 28 Weeks Later. This film provides a solid foundation for understanding the shared universe, and its connections to 28 Years Later are cleverly woven throughout the narrative.