If I Spoiled 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple For You, You Wouldn’t Believe Me (Review)

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Last summer saw a welcome and unexpected return to the world of fast zombies with 28 Years Later. The film reunited director Danny Boyle and writer Alex Garland, the team behind the 2002 hit that helped redefine the horror genre. Many were surprised the sequel even happened, but it exceeded expectations. The film not only successfully continued the story, but also reaffirmed the strong creative partnership between Boyle and Garland. Though Boyle hadn’t directed a horror film since the original, he seamlessly brought his energetic style and uniquely British perspective to this new blockbuster.

While 28 Years Later feels like a fresh continuation, it was always planned as part of a three-movie series. The first two films were even filmed simultaneously to save time and resources. Now, just 28 weeks after the release of the first, comes the second installment, 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple. Though original director Danny Boyle didn’t return, Nia DaCosta takes the helm, bringing a new vision to the story. The result is a standout horror sequel that’s notable for being surprisingly unpredictable.

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

PROS CONS
Remarkable performances A distinctly different visual style from the first film
Surprising story developments
An awesome ending

28 Years Later: The Bone Temple Takes the Narrative Deeper

The new film, The Bone Temple, continues the story from 28 Years Later and focuses on two key elements. One is Spike, the young character who experienced a shocking introduction to the outside world in the first film. At the end of 28 Years Later, he met the strange Sir Lord Jimmy Crystal (Jack O’Connell) and his unsettling group of followers – all dressed alike in tracksuits and blonde wigs, reminiscent of Jimmy Savile. Now, Spike has been captured by this group and is discovering that life beyond his village isn’t the liberation he imagined, as he’s forced to fight for his place among them.

Meanwhile, The Bone Temple goes back to its main setting, continuing the story of Ralph Fiennes as Ian Kelson. He’s the unusual doctor who created a memorial for the deceased and is still determined to research those infected with the Rage virus. Currently, he’s focused on Samson (Chi Lewis-Parry), a massive Alpha who has taken over the nearby forest.

Despite seeming completely unrelated, the two main stories in the film surprisingly connect. Revealing how they come together would spoil a major plot point and an iconic image – it’s something you really need to experience for yourself. The screenplay cleverly uses horror elements to comment on modern issues, specifically how different perspectives – fueled by violence, flawed science, and differing beliefs about reality – clash. When these storylines converge, they create a powerful and satisfying climax, making the film incredibly engaging.

The Bone Temple Is More Interested in Meditative Moments (But Still Has Stomach Churning Gore)

What’s most striking about 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple is the way it contrasts two very different storylines. On one side, you have the Jimmys, a gang clearly inspired by A Clockwork Orange, who travel the countryside causing terror and disrupting normal life, all to feed their leader’s ego and unpredictable desires. On the other side is the thoughtful Dr. Kelson, who is fascinated by how the Rage virus has changed and what it’s actually doing to those infected. The scenes with the Jimmys are filled with brutal and graphic violence – think torture, burning, and lots of blood. But when the focus shifts to Kelson, you’ll find him unexpectedly dancing to classic rock while contemplating deep questions about the infected and their condition.

While it might surprise viewers expecting a typical zombie movie sequel, DaCosta demonstrates a remarkable skill in balancing intense, violent scenes with quiet, emotionally resonant moments. These techniques aren’t so different for a filmmaker – one is loud and energetic, the other subtle and restrained – and together they effectively portray the diverse ways people experience the world. However, seeing this film immediately after watching Danny Boyle’s original does highlight a noticeable difference in visual approach. This isn’t necessarily a flaw – DaCosta shouldn’t simply copy Boyle’s style – but it does create a bit of a disconnect between the two films.

Ultimately, 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple is a gruesome horror film filled with graphic violence – think ripped limbs, devoured brains, and plenty of blood. However, it’s also a thought-provoking story about how people’s beliefs are shaped by their experiences, how they defend those beliefs when things get tough, and how those beliefs contribute to the way things stay the same.

28 Years Later: The Bone Temple Is Grounded By Its Incredible Cast

Because The Bone Temple takes a thoughtful and introspective approach, two things are crucial to its success. First, director DaCosta maintains a deliberate pace, letting the story unfold naturally throughout the film. But even more importantly, it’s the actors’ performances that truly make the movie stand out and stay with you.

In the first film, Ralph Fiennes’ character, Dr. Ian Kelson, was presented as quirky and complex, and The Bone Temple expands on that even further. The movie highlights Kelson’s deep curiosity and shows how it drives his choices. Fiennes portrays him as genuinely fascinated by the world around him, while also letting his playful personality shine through. Kelson often makes jokes that seem to be just for his own enjoyment, and Fiennes delivers a captivating and sensitive performance that brings this to life.

Jack O’Connell delivers a chilling performance as Sir Lord Jimmy Crystal, as expected. While he previously excelled as the subtly manipulative Remmick in Sinners, portraying a figure with almost god-like power, his villain in 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple is terrifying in a different way. Jimmy Crystal is defined by his immaturity and a disturbing naiveté that drives all his actions. He’s built a devoted following around a disturbing persona – a known predator who abused his power – and seems to be improvising as he goes. One moment he’s reminiscing about Teletubbies, the next he’s preparing his followers for a horrific act of violence. Though clearly a sociopath who enjoys violence and taking what he wants, O’Connell brilliantly portrays a childlike uncertainty in Jimmy Crystal’s eyes, showcasing the nuanced depth he brings to every role.

Two actors particularly stand out in The Bone Temple. Alfie Williams adds depth to his character, Spike, as he grapples with the harsh reality that not everyone is kind. His journey provides a compelling contrast to Jimmy, played by O’Connell, highlighting how the Rage virus and the collapse of the UK have affected their lives differently. Erin Kellyman is also great as Jimmy Ink, a follower of Crystal who’s questioning what she’s being taught. She’s a rebellious and engaging character, and Kellyman brings a strong presence to a film dominated by male characters.

It would be a serious oversight to discuss the acting in The Bone Temple without highlighting Chi Lewis-Parry’s incredible performance as Samson, the Alpha infected. His frightening scenes in the first film established him as a truly unique zombie character. The sequel builds on this, showing a natural evolution for Samson. We see more depth and emotion in his performance, revealing a surprising tenderness and vulnerability that’s genuinely moving. This might be hard to believe, considering he’s also a character who rips open brains and eats them, but it’s true. Thanks to The Bone Temple, Lewis-Parry has solidified Samson’s place as one of the most compelling movie monsters of the 2020s, and possibly of this century.

As a huge fan of the original, I was blown away by 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple. It’s not necessarily better than the first film – they’re just different beasts, and both really nail what they set out to do. What impressed me most was how it subverted expectations while still delivering a satisfying experience. Seriously, the ending is one of the best I’ve seen in a horror franchise in years! I have no idea what they have planned for the third movie, or when it’ll come out, but The Bone Temple has set things up for something truly incredible.

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2026-01-14 00:21