28 Years Later: The Bone Temple review – One of the best horror movies of the decade

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Return to a shattered Britain in ’28 Years Later: The Bone Temple.’ This new installment of the Rage virus story follows young Spike (Alfie Williams) as he learns that even in a world overrun by infected, there are even more terrifying threats hiding within it.

When Nia DaCosta, the director of Candyman, was announced as the filmmaker for the next installment in the trilogy started by Danny Boyle and Alex Garland, some fans worried the new movie wouldn’t feel connected to the first, particularly because of its title.

Not only does 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple continue the story right where the last film left off, but director Danny Boyle masterfully balances intense brutality with surprisingly tender moments. This approach remains faithful to the bleak and gritty setting of post-apocalyptic Britain, while also expanding the world in exciting new ways, drawing viewers deeper into this unsettling environment.

What’s really cool is the show lets things get seriously strange and wild, especially with Dr. Kelson – Ralph Fiennes is amazing! – starting this totally bizarre experiment with Samson, one of the infected. But even with all that going on, it never loses sight of Spike’s desperate journey, and it keeps moving at a great pace. It’s a perfect balance!

What is 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple about?

Okay, so after getting rescued at the end of the first movie, things go from bad to way worse for me, Spike. Sir Jimmy Crystal and his creepy acrobatic followers basically force me to travel with them across the country. It’s a nightmare, honestly – they’re just killing everyone, both the living and the infected. This whole journey is super messed up, and I start to realize that people can be just as monstrous as the zombies. It’s a really dark ride, and it makes you question everything.

Meanwhile, Dr. Kelson begins testing how morphine affects Samson, a powerfully strong and violent man capable of incredible brutality. While researching the Rage virus, Kelson starts a new and fascinating investigation.

“28 Years Later: The Bone Temple” takes risks that most zombie films avoid, and the outcome is truly remarkable.

Ralph Fiennes is the standout star opposite Jack O’Connell’s volatile villain

Jack O’Connell plays Sir Jimmy Crystal as a tightly wound and unpredictable character. He has a captivating power over everyone around him, both those who support him and those watching, drawing them in and demanding their loyalty.

The film doesn’t directly connect the character Crystal to Jimmy Savile, the notorious British sex offender, but it strongly suggests a pattern of abuse of power over vulnerable individuals. Though Crystal is frightening – and one particularly disturbing scene will stay with you – Ralph Fiennes delivers a truly remarkable performance and ultimately steals the show in The Bone Temple.

Initially portrayed as a solitary figure haunted by loss, he’s clearly been deeply affected by years of isolation. This drives him to connect with Samson in a new way. It’s unusual for a horror film this intense to include genuinely tender scenes, but here, Fiennes delivers a surprisingly heartwarming moment, dancing with one of the infected and finding a sense of liberation.

The film blends moments of tenderness with an incredibly energetic and intense scene. Director Francis Lawrence skillfully recreates the atmosphere of a live rock concert, with Ralph Fiennes taking center stage amidst the chaos, making ’28 Years Later: The Bone Temple’ a thrilling and wildly enjoyable horror film.

Describing the sequel as a rollercoaster ride feels cliché, but it’s the best way to capture the experience of The Bone Temple. Director DaCosta relentlessly builds suspense with the terrifying threat of both the infected and the Jimmy cult, then throws viewers into incredibly thrilling chases and shockingly violent scenes. It’s a bold and ambitious film, and remarkably, it delivers on every level.

Chi Lewis Parry truly shines as Samson, bringing a compelling and unique intensity to the character. He consistently portrays a powerfully commanding and frightening presence as the leader of the infected in this post-apocalyptic world.

Keep an eye on Alfie Williams, the new addition to the group – he shows a lot of promise. Meanwhile, teenage survivor Spike struggles to maintain his goodness in a harsh and unforgiving world.

Is 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple good?

Just to be clear: “28 Years Later: The Bone Temple” is truly excellent. Nia DaCosta has created one of the decade’s best horror films, filled with shocking and disturbing scenes, genuinely frightening scares, and a satisfyingly suspenseful ending.

Fortunately, Sony has approved a third film for Boyle and Garland, which is great news after the first film’s exciting ending. If the next movie is successful, the team will have created a fantastic trilogy that skillfully combines British folk horror with a fresh take on zombie stories.

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2026-01-14 00:22