'Masterpiece' horror movie on BBC iPlayer leaves viewers completely terrified

A "terrifying" horror film has been hailed as a "masterpiece of the genre" and is streaming on BBC iPlayer. 28 Days Later (2002) tells the story of a Jim, a bike courier played by Cillian Murphy, who awakens from a coma to find London abandoned, as a mysterious virus sweeps the land.

Directed by celebrated British filmmaker Danny Boyle, known for the likes of 1996 classic Trainspotting and Yesterday (2019), the film captures the loneliness of Jim's struggle to make sense of what's happened and survive the zombie apocalypse with chilling effect. The film also features supporting roles from various well-known British and Irish stars, including Naomie Harris, Christopher Eccleston and Brendan Gleeson.

The film was a breakout role for Murphy, who was in his mid 20s when he made it. He's since gone on to become one of Hollywood's biggest names, clinching a Best Actor Oscar for his portrayal of the "father of the atomic bomb" in the Christopher Nolan-directed biopic, Oppenheimer (2023).

One Audience Reviewer on Rotten Tomatoes gave the film five stars, and described it as "an absolute blast!".

"It's thrilling, gripping, terrifying and shows you a zombie world like no other," they continued.

"The movie creates a feeling of loneliness in the first 15 minutes that is so impacting that it not only makes it exciting to see new characters but helps us mourn their deaths."

Another said it's an "incredibly tense" watch, "but remains grounded with genuinely human characters and practical special effects".

"They really don't make them like this anymore," the fan added.

A third suggested 28 Days Later, which hit screens in the UK almost a quarter of a century ago, may be beggining to show its age but remains one of the best films of its kind.

"For the time it was released, this movie was unmatched in its portrayal of a 'zombie' style apocalypse," they wrote.

"Though it's easy to see through some of the magic in a modern viewing, the film still stands as a masterpiece of the genre."

The film, which has some gruesome scenes and an 18-rating, is "Certified Fresh" on the film-rating platform, given to only the "best-reviewed movies and TV shows".

A sequel, 28 Weeks Later, was released in 2007, which Boyle was an executive producer on but didn't direct.

However, he has returned to oversee the third instalment in the franchise, 28 Years Later, which stars Jodie Comer, Ralph Fiennes, and Aaron Taylor-Johnson and is opening in cinemas on June 20.

28 Days Later is currently streaming on BBC iPlayer and is available to rent or buy on Apple TV, Amazon Prime, and Sky Store.