iPhones and Infected: How 28 Years Later Redefines Cinematic Horror

Danny Boyle is taking a bold step into modern filmmaking with 28 Years Later, the highly anticipated continuation of his apocalyptic horror series. While shooting a movie on an iPhone is no longer shocking in Hollywood, Boyle is pushing the concept further—by using up to 20 iPhones simultaneously in specially designed rigs to capture scenes unlike anything audiences have seen before.

Set to release on June 20th, the film pays homage to its roots. The original 28 Days Later broke ground in 2002 by embracing the gritty feel of consumer digital camcorders. This time around, Boyle and returning cinematographer Anthony Dod Mantle chose smartphones as the modern-day counterpart, lending a raw, urgent energy to the visuals. While traditional cameras and drones are still part of the mix, it's the iPhone footage that promises to set this film apart.

Boyle describes one sequence in particular—filmed with a 20-iPhone rig—as a defining moment. The setup mimics a “budget version” of bullet time, offering an immersive 180-degree sweep that can freeze or distort time in powerful ways. He hints that the result is graphic, startling, and unforgettable.

Adding to the visual intensity is the decision to shoot in a strikingly wide 2.76:1 aspect ratio. The format injects tension into every frame, giving viewers a sprawling canvas where danger could erupt from any corner. With this unique fusion of cutting-edge tech and classic cinematic vision, 28 Years Later isn’t just another horror sequel—it’s a bold experiment that reimagines how fear can be framed.