Secret Cinema Presents: 28 Days Later

The mere thought of delving into the world created by Danny Boyle in his iconic 2002 horror masterpiece is enough to get hearts racing – an effect intensified by the hype surrounding Secret Cinema Presents: 28 Days Later, the all-new immersive cinema experience running at a classified Canada Water venue until the end of May. Participants are sent vaccination appointment letters in advance, advised to arrive wearing hospital scrubs and told that they should “be prepared to run”, which is effective in creating a buzz of nervous excitement around the entrance gates of the event.

However, those expecting to be fully immersed in the horror of a post-apocalyptic world for all of five hours, as advertised on the Secret Cinema site, should perhaps think again. Yes, there is a strong adrenaline boost towards the start of the experience, in which small groups are led zombie-dodging through impressive sets by an array of convincing actors. And the film screening itself is very well executed, played out in a chilling setting and boasting sporadic interactive elements, reminding us just how great 28 Days Later really is.

The problem is that a large chunk of the experience is disappointingly anti-climactic. Anyone who is fine hanging around in a festival-type “safe hold” for an hour-and-a-half, spending £15 on a burger and a themed cocktail and watching those around them getting steadily drunker in anticipation of the screening, is sure to fully enjoy their experience. However those expecting more of a full-on fright fest will inevitably be left feeling like they could have got a bit more for their money.

Secret Cinema will always undoubtedly be a unique and unforgettable experience, but their homage to Danny Boyle’s 28 Days Later, though creepy and for the most part authentic, falls short in promised scare-factor. Maybe the trick to avoiding disappointment is to be prepared for exactly what is in store: don’t expect to be terrified!

Michelle Keepence

Secret Cinema Presents: 28 Days Later is on from 14^th April until 29^th May 2016, for further information or to book visit here.

Watch the trailer for Secret Cinema Presents: 28 Days Later here: