Horror meets indie? The answer is yes, and the conquerer is “28 Days Later.” The English take on zombies, that out did any of it’s recent competitors, shines like a plane flying through the burning sun… Oh wait, I don’t want to give anything away.

The story starts when Jim (Murphy) wakes up fully bearded and fully exposed in a hospital bed. The quietness is disturbing, almost unsettling. He gathers himself and covers his unmentionables as he prepares to walk about the hospital. A recent accident has left him in a predicament as he has been in a coma through the happenings that precede the events. He soon finds his way out of the hospital and after a short length of nothing, which is more impressive than boring as a whole section of Manchester is shut off from civilization, Jim runs into the unexpected, or should I say the “infected.” In a mad dash for survival, Jim is taken in by his saviors Selena (Naomie Harris) and Mark who fill him in on the blood traveling virus known simply as “Rage.” No one knows how much the virus has spread or what has become of the outside regions. They continue on their way until they hear a radio signal from a group of soldiers lead by Major Henry West (Christopher Eccleston). When they reach the compounds, the sense of security is overwhelming, but short-lived, as psychological warfare takes over.

This film is original in a way that can’t be described. Veteran filmmaker Danny Boyle, a favorite of mine, tackles this project with the mind of a genius. We’ve all seen dozens of zombie movies made over the years and they are all the same. “We wants brains. We walk slow and stiff. If you get caught by us you suck at life.” I know that sounds juvenile, but you must admit, it’s pretty accurate. In “28 Days Later,” Danny Boyle and screenwriter Alex Garland create a new breed of zombie. One with an explanation that’s not unrealistic. One that moves like a normal human being, making it much harder to escape the evil. One that is just simply more terrifying. Sorry Romero, but it’s true.

This film pleased me in ways women can’t. It combines two genres that I love and that have stayed as far apart as possible in the past, indie and horror. This is a must see movie for a new generation of moviegoers. I also suggest you check out the rest of the Danny Boyle catalogue. He seldom disappoints.