Danny Boyle redefined the zombie genre back in 2002 with 28 Days Later.  Some would argue that this wasn’t really a zombie movie because (1) the villains were not actually dead but instead infected with the perfectly named “Rage Virus” that developed in them a taste for brains, and (2) instead of lumbering menacingly like proper zombies, they could run. Fast. It was Cillian Murphy’s first feature.

There followed in 2007 28 Weeks Later, which you can ignore.

2025 brought 28 Years Later, in whicha small group of survivors living on an island discovers new, mutant horrors on the mainland. A young boy learns about a mad doctor (Ralph Fiennes) who has built a memorial out of victims’ bones. No points for guessing what it’s called. Now, this new entry, directed by Nia DaCosta, centers on the good doctor and creates new villains as well as heroes from existing characters. I’m surprised to find that I’m actually anticipating the trilogy’s denouement.

Entertaining, kinetic, smart, freaky, unpredictable, superbly acted and, be warned, in places impossibly, viscerally violent. There’s even a little dark humor. The film excels in balancing the expected grotesqueries with moments of great beauty. And Iron Maiden’s “The Number of the Beast” was never put to better use. (119 min)