28 Days Later

HAILED as one of the scariest British horror movies, this film is truly the stuff of nightmares.

Animal rights activists break into a lab and liberate monkeys infected with a plague which locks the victim into a permanent murderous rage.

The country is overwhelmed, the population decimated.

28 days later, Jim wakes from a coma to find - nothing. No-one. He is alone.

Joining forces with a handful of survivors, he starts the desperate struggle for life - with a few shocking twists along the way.

This is an insidious film which is not overtly terrifying but will scare you because it throws you into the middle of your own nightmares.

The one where you are completely alone.

The one where you have to keep running.

And you can't but help ask yourself what you would do if it happened.

Because director Danny Boyle and writer Alex Garland, although obviously having fun with the zombie killers thing, still manage to bring reality to the whole film.

The tone is understated and the use of recognisable products, such as Walkers crisps, Tango and other famous brands, keep it rooted firmly in everyday life.

Cillian Murphy and Naomie Harris are real and believable characters, while Christopher Eccleston turns in a nice performance.

There are several outstanding moments, including scenes of a deserted London and a shopping trip with a difference.

The extras, if you are brave enough to sit through them after the film, include a nice making of documentary, deleted scenes and a story board alternative ending.

SC