In this thrilling episode of the Zombie Book Club, hosts Dan and Leah take a nostalgic trip back to 2003 to revisit "28 Days Later," the film that redefined the zombie genre for both of them. As they lament the current impossibility of screening the movie due to Sony's rights acquisition for the upcoming sequel, "28 Years Later," they also celebrate the unexpected hero of the day: the librarian who ensures this cinematic gem remains accessible through interlibrary loans. Dan and Leah delve into the enduring debate over whether the film's infected are truly zombies, reflecting on writer Alex Garland's acceptance of the term despite initial hesitations, and dissect the movie's exploration of themes such as animal rights, the necessity of human connection for survival, mental health, and the realization that money loses all meaning in the face of an apocalypse. We critique and admire various aspects of the movie, from its groundbreaking portrayal of fast zombies and the gritty realism of a post-apocalyptic Britain, to its more questionable artistic choices and the problematic depiction of gender and race. Leah shares her frustration over a friend's refusal to watch the movie despite Cillian Murphy's full frontal scene, and highlights the film's failure to pass several representation tests including the Bechdel, DuVernay, Vito Russo, and Fries tests. Despite these criticisms, Dan and Leah rate it from their 2003, as well as current perspectives, appreciating its impact while acknowledging its flaws. Tune in for a deep dive into "28 Days Later," a film that continues to provoke thought, debate, and a deep appreciation for the complexities of surviving a zombie apocalypse. Follow our linktree for social media links, and links to all the places you can find our podcast! https://linktr.ee/zombiebookclub Zombie Book Club Voicemail (614) 699-0006‬ Zombie Book Club Email [email protected] Follow our linktree for social media links, and links to all the places you can find our podcast! https://linktr.ee/zombiebookclub Zombie Book Club Voicemail (614) 699-0006‬ Zombie Book Club Email [email protected]