Now the Virus has been pushed out of continental Europe and the whole of the British mainland is quarantined. Patrolled around the coastline by nearby countries' Navies. However, anyone living there is completely left to fend for themselves.
One particular group of survivors live on Holy Island, separated by a heavily-gated causeway from Northumberland that's only traversable at low tide. Amongst this fairly thriving community is our main protagonist. Twelve year old Spike (Alfie Williams), who lives in a small dwelling with his adventurous father, Jamie (Aaron Taylor-Johnson) and mysteriously sick and often bedridden mother, Isla (Jodie Comer).
Today is Spike's rite of passage. He is to be taken across to the mainland with his father to claim his first kill of an 'infected'. Fully kitted up, including bows and arrows, and with Jamie waving away the final protests from the community leader, Jenny (Stella Gonet) to Spike (being a bit younger than the usual age of this rite), the two confidently set off across the causeway in the clear morning sunshine.
Director, Boyle and Writer, Garland, have really upped the ante in this latest version of the Zombie franchise. The gore is very much increased from the 'infected', that have now evolved into wild animals - roaming buck-naked in ever-hungry packs across the countryside. Others have evolved into morbidly-obese creatures that walk on all fours, living on worms and what else they can find in the forest floor. One of these becomes Spike's first kill. And most dangerous of all, the 'Alpha' - intimidating giant males with super strength and toughness that seem to control the packs.
The landscape is also a character here as the dwindled human population has allowed nature to claim back the environment. Deer run in herds of thousands, the grass in fields is tall and the air is clear of pollution. One scene at night was particularly stunning where an entire bright Milky Way is seen on the horizon near to the causeway.
The acting is solid from everyone but a standout performance is that of Alfie Williams - a virtual newcomer who is very engaging as he tentatively navigates this new world with help from his experienced father - but soon, dealing with hair-raising situations himself. Comer is as brilliant as always. Often flipping between pure lucidity and then infantile behaviour, she really is a chameleon! There's a superb eccentric performance by Ralph Fiennes as Dr Ian Kelson surviving by his wits on the mainland (and who Spike confides in to try and help his sick mother, as nobody in the island community seems to know how to). There's a revelation right at the end that gives us a hint to the next film - that the makers have stated will be the second of a trilogy.
Even though this genre of film is not really my thing, I thought it was well done and will look out for the next part - which apparently is already in the can.
