The post-apocalyptic genre in cinema is probably the most close-to-reality fantastical depiction of the fate of humankind. And the ironic fascination for it has resulted in some of the greatest pieces of art having been made in its stead. With nuances gotten down to the grits of the phenomena, filmmakers have created a universe where having a mutating virus could be as easy as catching a common flu. With the influx of perspectives on the genre, there is always a possibility that a blueprint exists somewhere in the pile of it. Like The Last of Us, in Alex Garland's case.

An artist is bound to have a muse. No matter how aimless in nature, a creator is not driven by no cause, even if as mere as a seed. He is driven. And it is because the seed so much so as exists. 

The storm that the undead-stricken world of The Last of Us had taken the streaming platforms by was not just because of what it was, an adaptation to a video game by Naughty Dog, but rather because of how "sophisticated and moving" it was, according to Alex Garland. Famed for the gritty and skin-crawling premise of 28 Days Later, the third sequel to which, titled 28 Years Later is finally being ferried onto the screens, Garland had the twinkle of craze, the hunch of a devotee to his shoulders as he joined his hands together in praise of the thriller, speaking to its very screenwriter: Neil Druckmann at the Creator to Creator podcast by Sony . Despite being one of the pioneers of the vision of the post-apocalyptic world we know today, Garland handed over the pedestal to the aforementioned, as the transformative innovator for the genre. 

A story always needs perspective to be narrated, and while the creators of The Last of Us could have very easily chosen to take a few cinematic shots of human being overrun by other humans, only a bit CGI tweaked; it was through the budding of an innocent bond between the characters of Joel and Ellie that had resulted in the tear-jerks. While there are not any apparent takeaways of 28 Days Later in the manner The Last of Us has been styled, a student to the former in the sense of time, it has definitely surpassed its teacher, Garland's gestures insinuate. 

Aaron Taylor-Johnson Runs Out of Words in His Praise for ‘28 Years Later’ Starring Cillian Murphy

With vision as clear as day since the beginning of time, it so seems, lo and behold; the established three-part nightmare to every man, the culmination of the horrors of humankind, 28 Days Later. The first to tell us that we might be our own monsters. 

With a title this ominous, 28 Years Later offers a continuation to the formication-inducing 28 Days Later. Where, despite the starring of today's Oscar holder, Cillian Murphy, in its wake, it was not about him at all. Set up with a three-part story that follows a premise similar to 28 Days Later. The film follows survivors on an island connected to the mainland by a causeway, exploring the post-apocalyptic world ravaged by the rage virus. Shot back-to-back with its sequel, 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple, this trilogy marks a significant return for Boyle and Garland to the franchise. Cillian Murphy serves as an executive producer, though his character will not appear initially.

The post-apocalyptic genre of dystopian-ism continues to captivate audiences with its realistic portrayals of human fate. Alex Garland's work, such as 28 Days Later, has been influential, but he acknowledges the evolution of the genre, particularly through The Last of Us. As 28 Years Later approaches, it is clear that the genre continues to inspire new narratives, reflecting humanity's darker aspects and our capacity for both horror and resilience.

2025's Ultimate Horror Movie List: 10 Flicks You Can’t Miss!

Do you think The Last of Us is a pioneer of post-apocalyptic dystopia as well? Let us know in the comments below.