Its predecessor was a disappointment. “28 Years Later: The Bone Temple” is a different beast entirely.
The film centers on Dr. Kelson, who finds himself in a shocking new relationship with consequences that could change the world, and Spike, whose encounter with Jimmy Crystal becomes a nightmare he can’t escape.
A Fractured Beginning
The opening 30 minutes of the movie feel eerily similar to “28 Years Later.” There’s too much going on at once. “28 Years Later: The Bone Temple” puts its focus on two separate storylines – Dr. Kelson takes up a portion of the early segments while the Jimmies are highlighted in the others.
This causes the film to have a fragmented start. As it’s unable to hone in on one specific plot, “The Bone Temple” begins to feel like a retreading of previous ground.
That is, until these plots converge.
Once the movie gets past its initial hiccups, it’s all gas, no brakes. Not in the sense of relentless zombie carnage. But rather, thoughtful insights into what an apocalypse can do to people.
Belief at the End of the World
Religion is a heavy theme in “28 Years Later: The Bone Temple,” and it’s explored masterfully. Through cult-like status or simply hope in something greater, the movie takes time to examine the intricacies of belief. It also shows how faith can be exploited when people are put in unusual or uncomfortable situations.
On top of this, the film takes moments to show sympathy for the flesh-eating monsters. Mostly through Dr. Kelson, “The Bone Temple” is able to do what most other zombie movies can’t – come even close to imagining what a possible cure may look like, or how one could come to be. By humanizing the “monsters,” it creates a more well-rounded story. One that never feels forced.
Director Nia DaCosta blends these ideas seamlessly. Much like the 2025 release, there are still a lot of objectives within “The Bone Temple.” This time, however, they’re cohesive.
Taking the focus away from zombies and toward how the apocalypse has reshaped humanity does wonders for this installment.
At the same time, the visuals remain striking. But now, the editing is less chaotic and the dramatic moments are given room to breathe.
Performances that Elevate
The performances are once again top-notch in “The Bone Temple.”
It’s Jack O’Connell (Jimmy Crystal) who steals the show. He plays a manipulative yet charming figure, and with every word that comes out of his mouth, you feel its weight. O’Connell makes you hate the character while still leaving you spellbound whenever he appears.
“Howzat?”
Ralph Fiennes (Dr. Ian Kelson) is just as impressive. He becomes the emotional center of the film, while also delivering several bizarrely hilarious moments. Fiennes’ timing makes it feel OK to laugh in some of the movie’s strangest scenes.
Other notable performances come from Alfie Williams (Spike), Erin Kellyman (Jimmy Ink) and Chi Lewis-Parry (Samson).
While Williams isn’t as prominent here, he still succeeds. It’s his chemistry with Kellyman that truly stands out. Kellyman appears in many of the film’s most impactful moments, becoming a standout each time. And though Lewis-Parry says little, he brings more to “The Bone Temple” than you might expect.
Even with all of its triumphs, “28 Years Later: The Bone Temple” can’t help but feel like a stepping stone. Rather than offering a proper ending, it once again teases what’s to come. This leaves the movie feeling incomplete, despite having the perfect opportunity to conclude in satisfying fashion.
“28 Years Later: The Bone Temple” is a step in the right direction for the franchise. It’s less about zombies and more about people. And the actors deliver in bringing this strange, fractured world to life – no matter how weird it gets.
Rating: 4 out of 5
