If you are anything like me, you are eagerly awaiting the news that "28 Years Later" has finished production and will be released in June 2025.

I love the "28 Days Later" franchise so much that I was naturally looking for something to fill the void. That's when I found "Cargo" again on Netflix. This gripping film breathes new life into the post-apocalypse genre with its hauntingly beautiful Australian outback setting, unique take on familiar subject matter, and compelling story. If you're looking forward to [28 Years Later] and craving more intense, thought-provoking zombie action, this is a must-see. Cargo is an Australian post-apocalyptic thriller that centers on Andy (Martin Freeman), who is stranded in rural Australia with his young daughter Rosie after a violent pandemic strikes the country.

The virus turns infected people into zombie-like creatures within 48 hours. Bitten, Andy realizes that he has limited time to secure a safe future for Rosie. Desperate, Andy embarks on a dangerous journey through the unforgiving backcountry, meeting a variety of hostile and friendly survivors.

Throughout her journey, Andy is driven by deep parental love and the urgent need to find a new guardian for her daughter. Cargo is a genuinely beautiful story of a parent's willingness to go to any lengths to protect her child in the midst of a tragic world."

I remember a few years ago when "Cargo" came up on Netflix and I clicked on it out of curiosity. At first glance, I thought it was another generic zombie movie, but as a fan of "28 Days Later," I didn't think I would be proven wrong, as "Cargo" brought a fresh perspective to the genre and appealed to me greatly. [Both are set in a grisly post-apocalyptic world populated by zombie-like creatures, but "Cargo" stands out by more closely depicting what it means to be human in the midst of such chaos.

It is truly moving to watch Freeman's Andy navigate the desolate backcountry with his daughter Rosie. Unlike typical zombie films that emphasize mere survival and action, Cargo gets to the emotional core of a father's love and sacrifice. Andy's journey is not just about escaping the infected, but about securing his child's future in the face of impending doom.

This personal and heartfelt story reminded me of the strong aspects of "28 Days Later" and "28 Weeks Later," where human drama and relationships drive the plot. Similarly, in "Cargo," Andy's desperation to find a safe haven for Rosie, coupled with his incredible determination, adds depth and relatable humanity.

It's no wonder I'm so excited about the announcement that "28 Years Later" will be released next year. I think "Cargo" is the perfect film to quell my excitement and impatience while I wait for the next chapter in this incredibly bleak world.

The cinematography in "Cargo" is impressive, capturing vast, empty landscapes that are a stark reminder of the effects of a fictional pandemic. The spectacular shots of the outback really show the loneliness and enormity of Andy's journey. This visual storytelling is reminiscent of the tension that "28 Days Later" masterfully created. [23] [24] Another aspect that makes "Cargo" a must-see film is its truly impressive take on the zombie trope. The film introduces a unique infection timeline that gives the infected 48 hours to fully transform. This new rule is effective in building suspense and tension and sustaining a sense of unease. As a lover of anything zombie-related ("The Walking Dead" is my favorite TV show), "Cargo" is a remarkable film that allows me to experience something new and fresh.

And above all, the best aspects of the "28 Days Later" series - the tension, the desperation, and most importantly, the humanity that continues even after the world has collapsed.

If that still doesn't convince you, maybe the critics will move you. Cargo received an 87% on Rotten Tomatoes, proving that others greatly enjoyed and appreciated this post-apocalyptic thriller, with Mark Kermode of Kermode & Mayo's Film Review calling it "truly powerful."

So as we count down the days until "28 Years Later" hits the big screen, "Cargo" serves as a perfect, emotional, thrilling outpost. It reminds us that even in the darkest of times, it is our connections and our humanity that truly matter.

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Stream "Cargo" on Netflix now.