by Nick Ferro, Editor
28 Years Later was close to a transcendent experience for me. Possibly because I am not a fan of horror movies, Danny Boyle has never been one to really grab me with his films, and I was never really on the 28 Days Later hype train. I went into 28 Years Later, with the understanding that it would be the standard “Reboot-qual” fare and would be moderately entertained. Perhaps my lowered expectations played a small role, however, that “chanting trailer” for really set a tone I vibed with, so going in I was more intrigued than anything else. What Boyle did with the camera and how he created an almost dreamland setting to go along with Alex Garland’s incredible screenplay resulted in me experiencing my fifth favorite movie of 2025. So, to say I was excited for 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple would be a bit of an understatement.
In the first ever sequel in the franchise to not take place in an increment of time subsequent to the previous film, The Bone Temple picks up maybe 28 hours(?) after the previous film ends. Spike (Alfie Williams) is placed in a life-or-death situation, having to prove his worth to “The Jimmy’s,” led by their leader Sir Jimmy Crystal (Jack O’Connell). We learn that they are Satan worshipers who believe Sir Jimmy to be the son of “Old Nick” himself and despite the intense use of shaky-cam in the opening scene, the feel is that are in for a movie experience comparable to its predecessor. We then cut over to Dr. Ian Kelson (Ralph Fiennes) where he has another run in with Samson (Chi Lewis-Parry). However, this interaction is atypical for Samson, as he doesn’t present as the unstoppable, rage filled, alpha from their previous encounter. Samson is almost goading Kelson to shoot him with one of his morphine darts again. Kelson, ever the doctor, studies Samson’s behavior, obliges with a dart to the neck, and then proceeds to provide medical care to Samson to remove the arrows still sticking out of him. An act that will repeat itself many times throughout the film as we learn more about Samson’s motivations.
The rest of the movie inter-cuts Kelson studying and befriending Samson and Spike being trapped and forced to take part in Jimmy’s cruel insanity. Some might argue that this movie is more representative of the original 28 Days and 28 Weeks movies in terms of story and plotting, and I would certainly be one of those people. Despite my not being disappointed in this direction, I have a feeling that this movie might become a tad divisive. On one “finger” there are people like me who were deeply moved by the beauty and themes of 28 Years Later, giving us a reason to become attached to a franchise that might be outside our comfort zone. For those like me, this outing will feel more like a cliched zombie movie, however, a slightly elevated one. The moments with Kelson and Samson provide a link to the previous movie that should help keep you invested and filled with a feeling of familiarity that doesn’t betray the vibes of what may have drawn you in the first time.
On another “finger” there might be some people who didn’t like that their more traditional zombie franchise was now taking a turn into the artistic side of filmmaking. The thematic exploration of toxic masculinity versus positive masculinity and the role parents play in raising their children might hit home for me, but not everyone. So, I can imagine that The Bone Temple would be more in line with what they were expecting from the last film. Following Jimmy and his “fingers” as they terrorize local survivors with incredibly violent and gory “acts of charity” will make those missing that element from the last movie very happy. Either way, I think whether you liked 28 Years Later or not this entry is still a thrilling time that everyone should enjoy, just the degrees in which you enjoy will be greatly determined by your feelings of the previous film.
As much as I enjoyed Nia DaCosta’s style and flair, it is very clear the difference between a young up and coming director versus a decade-long veteran like Boyle. There were less showy moves with the camera and the stylization that Boyle brings to his films were missing from this entry in a noticeable way. I also don’t LOVE the unnecessary overuse of jump scares that plague this movie versus the previous film. However, the lack of stylization plays into the more straightforward nature of this film’s story which allowed me to forgive it’s absence. Garland’s message here, particularly on the Jimmy side of the aisle is an interesting look at how these young people, his “fingers,” who have never known a civilized life, only horror, are trapped in a world where their only recourse is destruction. They have been groomed, by Jimmy, to do evil acts because there is no one there to guide them to do good. A direct reversal of Spike’s arch in the last movie. In a stunning parallel to our own society filled with young people coming of age in a world where a generation defining event seems to happen once a year. Where the internet is being designed to target and radicalize them, where empathy is scoffed at and cruelty is met with apathy. Garland and DaCosta are shining a light on how we can’t let our youth be raised by strangers whose only goal is to service themselves. DaCosta was able to bring Garland’s writing to life with her own style that was definitely on full display, and I especially loved it toward the end during, what I am dubbing “the Iron Maiden scene.” I am calling my shot now, that scene will go down as one of my favorite movie moments of 2026, as it was definitely crowd-pleasing!
Naturally, Ralph Fiennes is the standout, once again, for me. His performance as Dr. Kelson is allowed to grow and transform beyond the glimpse we saw the first time as this character. No longer the odd, but kindly, old doctor who helps our main character on his journey. He is now our lead and one that knows how to do some party drugs and get down on the dance floor! We learn about his day to day, we learn just how intelligent he is, and we learn about his views of this world while still staying true to his original thesis of “memento mori.” And yet, he is even more odd and kind in this film, which leads to three very interesting scenes. The first is when he makes a discovery concerning Samson’s newfound “interest” showcasing the sharpness of Kelson’s mind and the kindness in his soul. The second comes when he is introduced to Jimmy and they have a very tense yet interesting conversation. And the third is when he puts on a performance as a way to save his own life. Throughout the film, Fiennes shows us why he is the perfect person for this role and the reason why I will be happy to add The Bone Temple to my re-watch list.
There was a moment toward the end where I was confused as to how they would be able to wrap up this story adequately. How could they have enough runway for a whole third movie to follow, that is, until the final scene at which point it all made sense and once again left me with an incredible hunger to see part three. It truly was an interesting choice to revive this franchise the way that Boyle, Garland, and DaCosta did; by starting out with the contemplative artful film, that paid homage but felt more like a departure, before quickly returning to its roots. Many other franchises have tried the reverse of a many-years-later return to the franchise that takes the old tropes and makes them new again in order to draw the largest crowd possible. Make the money in the first movie so that it can fund the second film which might take more risks and depart from the original idea. I am sure you are all thinking about one very specific franchise, but the analogy fits so many nowadays. Yet, having the funds available and the green light to make two movies back-to-back allowed Garland to write a more interesting and emotion driven story first while still being able to give long-time fans of this franchise what they were looking for seven months later.
I personally enjoyed 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple a lot, if not as much as its predecessor, however, I love that this new trilogy of films does still include something for everyone. My only question is, which way will the pendulum swing come the third movie? Whichever way, I know that I will have a ticket on day one come part three in the Years Later Trilogy. “Howzat?”
Rating: Liked It
28 Years Later: The Bone Temple is currently playing in theaters.
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