NZ Connection

28 Weeks Later is a 2007 British post-apocalyptic science fiction film. Set on the island of Great Britan, just after the turn of the 21st century, the story depicts the breakdown of society following the accidental release of the highly contagious rage virus and focuses upon the struggle of four survivors to cope with the ruination of the life they once knew.

Six months after the rage virus was inflicted on the population of Great Britain, the US Army helps to secure a small area of London for survivors to repopulate and start again. But not everything goes to plan. During the outbreak of the rage virus in England, David (Robert Carlyle) and his wife, Alice (Catherine McCormick) hide in a country house with four other people. David has escaped the virus and managed to find his way back to his country of origin New Zealand. By this time the rage virus has disappeared. Swine flu is on the horizon and David is the only one concerned. This story takes place on David’s return to New Zealand.

England has been under quarantine for the past year with no new reported cases. Europe has not been affected as previously thought with many restrictions and services coming back to normal the opinion seems to be that the epidemic is something that will soon be behind us. Dr David Anderson previous head of the world health organization believes that what has transpired was a once in a thousand year event and the chance of history repeating itself very slim indeed.

Having re-located back to the city which he grew up in carefully crossing the road still jetlagged from his long flight back David is taken in by all the changes in the city. The city is almost unrecognizable in comparison to city he once as lived in as a student. The bars he once frequented now all gone. Passing the apartment he once resided bought back past memories that had long been dormant and in a moment of contemplation he thought. Change he pondered one of lifes timeless inevitability’s.

Feeling rather unsettled wandering down Queen St, David noticed a change in the behavior of those around him. Everyone seemed unusually agitated, seemingly unaware of his observations. Swine flu, the epidemic had just passed and everyone was going about their lives but blissfully unaware of what awaited them.

Residing in a central city high rise looking across the city David lays back in his chair stretching his arms back while rays of sun reflect through the window of his new office. Originally for at least the first part in his life, David having grown up in Auckland was familiar with the city although much had changed in the fifteen years or so since after graduation and having accepted a position within the world health organization he had resided in England for some time. Having settled down in his new office he shuffles through a folder while glancing at a picture of the small town outside London he used to reside in that is now no more due to the epidemic that had swept through the country.

A brief moment of reflection on what now seems like a different world a past life almost with only a picture to recollect memories that once were part of his everyday existence. Memories are all that we have left of the past and David been no different casually reflects on what once was while still feeling a slight uncertainty about the future. Having last week just arrived from England the process of settling into his new life and residence had been going smoothly while still being in contact and receiving regular updates of what in England had just transpired was startled by a someone laying in front of his path.

London always has people lying on the foot paths in various stages of intoxication and delusion. Had New Zealand changed that much in the last fifteen years he thought. Walking round the person would normally be the best course of action but this time not being in his nature he felt a concern for the person. Kneeling down “are you all right” he asked. No response. He took his hand and touched the shoulder of what appeared to be a middle aged woman her long hair almost covering her face. In an almost reflex like action the the woman outstretched her arm grasping on to David's hand pulling him closed towards her. Using his right hand trying to loosen her grip prying of each finger David managed to break free. Backing away still not having seen her face his hand aching and bruised David retreated into a coffee shop sat down noticing some blood on the underside of his palm. Seeing a small cut just above his wrist believing it not too be too serious he proceeded to clean his hand and wipe off the remaining blood. Something was very wrong and overcome with nausea David collapsed in the entrance of the shop the automatic door narrowly missing closing on his head. Unaware and unable to think he quivered shaking violently as if almost he was having a seizure. Seeing the situation unfolding a barista approached him with unease. “Are you alright” she asked while hesitating keeping her distance. Pausing momentarily slowing approaching him she glanced through the automatic door and to her horror she saw bodies strewn across the footpath. A mass panic slowly ensued.

It seems what had transpired in England was now repeating itself on the streets of Auckland. Now the future awaits........