Blank Check with Griffin & David - Episode: "28 Years Later" Release Date: June 22, 2025

Introduction to the Episode

In this engaging episode of Blank Check with Griffin & David, hosts Griffin Newman and David Sims, along with their co-hosts Marie Barty Salinas and producer Ben Hosley, delve deep into the latest installment of the zombie apocalypse series, "28 Years Later." Building upon their previous discussions of the franchise, the team explores the film's nuances, character developments, and its place within the broader context of post-apocalyptic cinema.

Recap of the Franchise

Marie begins by highlighting the podcast's journey through the franchise:

"Since we covered The Danny Boyle 2002 in the UK, 2003 in the US release. 28 days later. 28 years later."
[00:30] Marie Barty Salinas

This marks the 120th episode on their main feed, emphasizing their commitment to dissecting directors' filmographies.

Behind the Scenes: Office Anecdotes

Before diving into the film, the hosts share a humorous exchange about math and “bones” placed thoughtfully on their desks by producer Ben:

"Ben arranged the bones on each station and tried to match each bone to each person."
[02:22] Ben Hosley

Marie clarifies that these bones are not human:

"Let's just say these are not human bones. They are pig bones."
[02:59] Marie Barty Salinas

Discussion on "28 Years Later"

The core of the episode revolves around the film "28 Years Later," a sequel that continues the story two decades after the initial outbreak. The team discusses various aspects:

Plot and Setting

Marie provides a comprehensive overview:

"It's a movie about how to live with death and pain and tragedy surrounding you and how you can build a life around it."
[30:29] David Sims

She further elaborates on the world-building:

"This is like a post post-apocalyptic movie, where society has rebuilt around the zombie threat."
[30:53] Marie Barty Salinas

Character Analysis

The character of Eric, portrayed by Alfie Williams, is a focal point:

"Eric is like a modern-day Colonel Kurtz—odd, thoughtful, and profoundly affecting."
[39:01] Marie Barty Salinas

Ralph Fiennes' character adds depth to the narrative:

"Ralph Fiennes explains what he's doing as a tribute to the deceased, combining art with survival."
[132:10] Marie Barty Salinas

Themes and Insights

The hosts delve into the film's exploration of British culture and historical references:

"Danny Boyle is questioning British culture and its relationship to history through zombie allegories."
[37:18] Griffin Newman

They also touch upon the film's emotional core, particularly the relationship between the boy and his parents:

"The movie beautifully portrays a father-son relationship strained by survival instincts and emotional turmoil."
[141:00] Marie Barty Salinas

Production and Aesthetic Choices

Griffin praises the film's visual and technical elements:

"Anthony Dod Mantle's cinematography is breathtaking, utilizing iPhones to capture stunning 4K visuals."
[32:16] David Sims

The use of tone poems and historical footage enriches the storytelling:

"The film integrates tone poems and archival footage to create a profound narrative tapestry."
[85:17] Marie Barty Salinas

Audience Reception and Expectations

The team reflects on the film's reception and their personal reactions:

"At our screening, the audience was simultaneously amused and perplexed by the characters' portrayals."
[12:48] Marie Barty Salinas

They also speculate on the film's box office performance and future sequels:

"With part two already in the can, '28 Years Later' sets up an expansive trilogy exploring different facets of its universe."
[07:05] Griffin Newman

Final Thoughts and Conclusions

Marie concludes the episode by lauding the film's ability to provoke thoughtful conversations:

"Every conversation about this film has been fascinating, highlighting its depth and the successful collaboration between Boyle and Garland."
[141:45] Marie Barty Salinas

Griffin adds his support for the continued success of the series:

"I agree entirely. The collaboration between Boyle and Garland has truly elevated this installment."
[140:37] Griffin Newman

Upcoming Events and Announcements

Before signing off, the hosts share exciting news about future episodes and special screenings:

"Next week, we return to finish out our Amy Heckerling miniseries with the final two films in her filmography."
[176:55] Marie Barty Salinas

They also announce a VOD premiere for a live show on June 26th, encouraging listeners to join and participate.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• "It's a movie that is keeping you in a space of intense sensitivity the entire time."
  [16:40] David Sims

• "Danny Boyle is questioning British culture and its relationship to history through zombie allegories."
  [37:18] Griffin Newman

• "Anthony Dod Mantle's cinematography is breathtaking, utilizing iPhones to capture stunning 4K visuals."
  [32:16] David Sims

• "This movie beautifully portrays a father-son relationship strained by survival instincts and emotional turmoil."
  [141:00] Marie Barty Salinas

• "Every conversation about this film has been fascinating, highlighting its depth and the successful collaboration between Boyle and Garland."
  [141:45] Marie Barty Salinas

Conclusion

This episode of Blank Check with Griffin & David offers a thorough and insightful analysis of "28 Years Later," blending personal anecdotes with critical evaluations. The hosts' passion for filmography and their ability to dissect complex narratives make this discussion a must-listen for enthusiasts of the zombie genre and post-apocalyptic storytelling.