28 Years Later: The Bone Temple

UK Release Date: 14 January 2026

Director: Nia DaCosta

Cast: Ralph Fiennes, Erin Kellyman, Emma Laird, Chi Lewis-Parry, Connor Newall, Jack O'Connell, Alfie Williams

Runtime: 109 mins

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Review:

If 28 Years Later explored death - the consequences that follow its finality and the understanding that death is an essential tool to express love - then 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple is a ruthless examination of cult dynamics. Drawing on characteristics and mannerisms from historical British personalities - a conspicuous expression of the exploitation of children by authoritarians, in the film's case, in ritualistic circles. 

Alex Garland separately pits two completely opposing moral ideologies against one another leading to a brutal collision of differing worldviews. Partially, a thoughtful dissection of admirable innate human qualities, partially, a damning demonstration of severe acts of barbaric hostility and violence. All merely a footnote to the rest of the world as they continue to go about their day-to-day lives, free of the rage virus. 

28 Years Later: The Bone Temple is far more cinematically inclined than Danny Boyle's previous ventures with Nia DaCosta taking a more conventional approach when it comes to her direction. However, she truly flourishes when using carefully curated needle drops to kickstart dynamic set pieces. Radiohead's Everything In Its Right Place, Iron Maiden's The Number of the Beast and several tracks from Duran Duran all serve as indications that a show-stopping piece of filmmaking is imminent. Whilst, not as experimental as Boyle, DaCosta makes some captivating creative decisions:

- The decision to frame Dr. Ian Kelson and Samson similarly in front of the camera.

- The use of the titular bone temple as the centrepiece to the film's climatic act.

- The unique visual glimpse into the mind of the infected, sharing traits with nature's apex predators, striking out as a response to fear rather than an involuntary reaction.

The film's primary antagonists - a gang influenced by Power Rangers, the Teletubbies and child predator Jimmy Savile - spearheaded by a deranged turn from Jack O'Connell as Sir Lord Jimmy Crystal. Transfixing to his followers despite his blatantly obvious, deceitful nature. Manipulative in every conversation he strikes up, yet, oddly and uncomfortably charming. Before being brought back to reality by the ease in which he dishes out verbal threats of violence. Left without regulation or competition, he's able to insist on whatever outlandishly cruel punishment seems befitting the moment it enters his maddened mind. Viewing himself through as a God like figure, the antithesis of his father and ultimately, Jesus Christ himself. The self-proclaimed son of Satan - a true personification of unchecked evil. A physical representation of the film's tagline, 'Fear is the new faith.' 

An excellent counter to the returning Ralph Fiennes and his unwavering compassion as Dr. Ian Kelson. Given a significantly larger role in 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple, he shines as he wrestles with the growing burden of honouring the dead. Isolation taking its toll as he's predominantly cut-off from human interaction. Greatly empathetic and philosophical, nonetheless getting the chance to embrace a twisted personality more akin with Kelson's outward appearance.  

By no means without detracting factors - a subdued role for Alfie Williams as Spike after his surprisingly, phenomenal introduction in 28 Years Later and a complete omission of Young Fathers and the inventive emotion they brought with them. However, the areas 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple chooses to thematically investigate, result in a worthy follow-up that warrants a concluding entry.