‘28 Years Later’ Just Gave Us the Most Terrifying Zombie in Years

One of the most iconic aspects of 28 Days Later, and why it still remains one of the most significant zombie-related films of all time, is that it gave a fresh approach to the genre by making the monsters infected humans that were faster and stronger than almost every previous incarnation we had seen. This exploration of the lore continued in 28 Weeks Later with the idea of what humanity is left inside these creatures. While it technically isn’t considered canon anymore, Weeks Later provides some necessary context for this development, which we saw 28 Years Later take to another level as it showed how the infected had evolved, with one creation sticking out as perhaps the most frightening portrayal of a zombie/undead creature seen in a very long time.

This would be the Alphas. We appear to see two of this class, one being referred to as a Beserker (Chris Gregory) who is eventually killed by a crossbow bolt, and one that Ralph Fiennes‘ character, Dr. Kelson, refers to as Samson (Chi Lewis-Parry). While Years Later was, at its core, a story about coming of age and love, the inclusion of The Alpha brings so much to the world Danny Boyle has created. Its size and muscularity are matched only by its ferocity and intelligence, which make it a merciless killing machine. Yet, what made it truly nightmare-inducing is the way Boyle and Alex Garland gave The Alpha singular character traits of their own, rather than reducing it to a mere class of infected that we see multiple of, which would have taken away from the threat.

The Alpha’s Physicality is Incredibly Intimidating in ’28 Years Later’

an infected alpha roaring in 28 years later — Image via Sony

The first immediately noticeable aspect of the Alpha is its size, speed, and even stature. In the scene when the Alpha stands on the hilltop, watching Spike (Alfie Williams) and Jamie (Aaron Taylor-Johnson), it stands tall and still with a strong build. This calm intimidation creates a huge contrast to the other infected who follow it, who are starved and twitching constantly. Furthermore, because the first infected we see in the film are bloated, crawling creatures who don’t serve as too big of a threat, the Alpha creates a whiplash moment for the audience where we are reminded of just how much danger humans are constantly in when on the mainland.

Jamie and Spike sneaking up with bow and arrows in 28 Years Later.

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Boyle, Alex Garland, and Ralph Fiennes are at the height of their powers.

As previously mentioned, the speed of the infected in the 28 Days Later universe is already something that makes them feel unique and terrifying. However, the Alpha takes this idea to an entirely new level, as its muscular physique propels it across the ground with good form when it sprints. Rather than thrashing its limbs out like the other infected, this efficiency makes the Alpha a beast who is portrayed as being bred for one purpose: killing. This allows it to be the driving force of arguably the most anxiety-inducing scene of Years Later, when Gregory’s Beserker Alpha is chasing Spike and Jamie across the causeway. While the humans struggle with the shallow water and slippery rocks, the Alpha is an unstoppable train who never gets tired or trips and can only be taken out by a massive bolt to the chest.

The Alpha Can Lead Other Infected and Hunt Its Prey in ’28 Years Later’

Size and speed is one thing, but if the Alpha was portrayed as a dumb brute it would be a far more equal challenge to humans who can use strategy to outwit the beast. However, the Alpha’s intelligence and influence on other infected is perhaps its most horrifying trait. The ability to channel its size into brutal violence which plays on intimidation shows that everything it does is for a reason. Both the Beserker and Samson share a signature move, which is to rip off the head and spinal cord of its victims, using these as a weapon, yet also as a trophy. The original Alpha we see kill a bull does this and places its head in a tree, seemingly as a marker of its territory, which also freaks out Jamie and Spike, pushing them out of the woods, where it is waiting for them.

The Alpha’s intelligence goes beyond the control of its own actions, but seems to extend to other infected. When Spike and Jamie see the infected on the hill, they don’t charge at the humans until the Alpha unleashes a guttural roar which sounds a lot like “RUN!” This serves not only as a command to the infected, but also a chilling warning to the humans. Hearing that something is coming to get you is bad enough, but knowing that they don’t care what you do to escape is even more frightening. As Lewis-Parry explained in an interview with Metro, “the motive I gave him was that nothing will stop me” and we can see how that extends to all Alphas. With their ability to also sneak up on soldiers and wait for Jamie and Spike outside the building they hide in, we’re seeing an infected capable of destroying any human in multiple ways.

One Alpha Was Given Specific Characterization in ’28 Years Later’ That Made it Far Scarier

Kelson, Isla and Spike, played by actors Ralph Fiennes, Jodie Comer and Alfie Williams, walking by human bone structures in 28 Years Later — Image via Sony Pictures

While the first Alpha we see is an intimidating introduction to the class, the second one we meet, Samson, is made thoroughly unique. Following the disturbing scene where an infected gives birth, Samson finds Spike, Isla (Jodie Comer), and the surviving soldier, Erik (Edvin Ryding). After ripping Erik’s head off, Samson picks up the now dead infected mother, and appears to chase Isla and Spike for the baby. With the multiple shots that focused on how well-endowed Alphas are, it would appear that Samson is that baby’s father, and this adds a relentless quality to its hunting of Spike, Isla, and Dr. Kelson later on. Rather than the hope of him getting bored and finding other food, it has some semblance of humanity left which forces it to never give up until it has back what it considers to be his.

In the end, Alphas, and in particular Samson, are a significant addition to not only the lore, but the narrative of Danny Boyle’s dystopian universe. They represent a huge part of the idea that there may be some kind of soul left in these infected with Samson’s desire to catch his baby. However, there is still enough mystery left that we cannot fully answer the question of just what these creatures think and feel, or if it is all instinctual actions. What we do know for sure, is that nightmares involving these new type of infected will not be uncommon for those who see 28 Years Later.