The weekend box office just witnessed a groundbreaking moment in cinematic technology and storytelling. 28 Years Later, the long-awaited sequel to the cult horror classic 28 Days Later, surged to the top of the charts—not just for its gripping storyline, but because it was primarily shot on iPhone. This unique approach has not only captivated audiences but also sparked a conversation about the future of filmmaking.
While Apple gears up for a major debut with F1 The Movie, it’s 28 Years Later that’s making waves for the tech giant. Earning $30 million in its opening weekend in the U.S., the horror sequel beat Pixar’s Elio as the top new release. Only How to Train Your Dragon in its second week managed to outperform it overall. But what truly sets this success apart is the unconventional gear behind it: a fleet of iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max devices.
How did an iPhone-powered horror film conquer the box office?
Director Danny Boyle, returning to the universe he first brought to life in 2002, made the bold decision to ditch traditional film cameras in favor of the iPhone. According to Boyle, this choice was driven by a desire for realism and agility. In an interview with IndieWire, he emphasized the benefits: “It’s very light, it’s cheap, and it allowed us to go to places that were very remote and bore very little evidence of human presence for many, many, many years.”
Production used up to 20 iPhones simultaneously, mounted on custom-built rigs to achieve dynamic shots usually reserved for high-budget productions. This mobile-centric strategy didn’t just provide flexibility in challenging locations—it also enhanced the film’s immersive, gritty aesthetic that fans of the franchise appreciate.
What was it like for the actors working with iPhones on set?
One of the film’s stars, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, spoke about the raw intimacy the iPhone camera provided. In an interview with Mashable, he noted how the proximity of the device brought a vulnerability to performances: “When someone puts an iPhone very close, it’s a bit intrusive. You feel kind of vulnerable, and you can’t hide… it meant we had to feel very present in the moment.”
This stripped-back approach seemingly encouraged more organic acting and fostered a more intimate filming environment. The lack of traditional camera setups meant quicker turnarounds and a less intimidating presence on set, a shift that many in the cast and crew embraced.
Though early reports suggested the entire movie was shot on iPhone, Boyle has clarified that some scenes did utilize other cameras. Nonetheless, the vast majority of the film was captured using the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max, making 28 Years Later the most prominent example yet of a mainstream, big-budget film leveraging smartphone technology at scale.
Is this the beginning of a new era in filmmaking?
28 Years Later has not only proven that a horror movie shot on iPhone can thrive at the box office, but also opened up new possibilities for aspiring filmmakers around the world. With powerful mobile tech becoming more accessible, directors can now pursue ambitious creative visions without needing multi-million dollar equipment budgets.
Whether you’re a die-hard fan of the original film or simply intrigued by the innovative use of iPhone 15 Pro in cinema, 28 Years Later stands as a milestone. It invites us to reconsider what defines a “real” film and who gets to make one.
As the lines between professional and personal tech continue to blur, we might see more Hollywood films turning to iPhones or similar tools. The question now is: what genre will take the leap next?
