Cover Dr Ian Kelson and Samson sharing a moment in ‘28 Years Later: The Bone Temple’ (Photo: Columbia Pictures)
Dr Ian Kelson and Samson sharing a moment in ‘28 Years Later: The Bone Temple’ (Photo: Columbia Pictures)
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‘28 Years Later: The Bone Temple’ is a brutal and unsettling sequel that shifts the horror away from the infected and onto what humanity becomes when faith, power and survival collide
28 Years Later: The Bone Temple is not an easy film to sit through. It is eerie, cruel and deeply uncomfortable, and that feels very much like the point. This entry pushes the franchise into darker places by shifting the focus away from the infected and placing the spotlight on what humans have become after decades of survival at any cost.
Warning: spoilers ahead.
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The mood of the film is chilling from the start. There is a constant feeling of dread that never fully goes away. While the Rage Virus is still part of this world, the real horror comes from the Jimmys, a group of non-infected survivors who live by their own distorted belief system. They are not driven by hunger or instinct, but by faith, power and control, which makes them far more disturbing.
Above Dr Ian Kelson (Ralph Fiennes) from ‘28 Years Later: The Bone Temple’
Above Some of the Jimmys in ‘28 Years Later: The Bone Temple’
Dr Ian Kelson (Ralph Fiennes) from ‘28 Years Later: The Bone Temple’
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The Jimmys follow Sir Jimmy Crystal (Jack O’Connell), a man who believes he is the son of Satan and the chosen figure to lead humanity through armageddon. Every member copies his look, from the blonde wigs to the tracksuits, creating a visual that is both absurd and terrifying. They keep their numbers at seven, believing that seven strong “Fingers” are needed to hold their land. Anyone new must fight to the death to earn a place. Survival is not enough. Blood must be spilled.
Spike, played by Alfie Williams, remains the emotional centre of the film. Having left the safety of Holy Island, he is captured by the Jimmys and forced into their rituals. Watching young Spike endure their idea of “charity” is painful. These acts involve the torture and killing of other people, not the infected, and are framed as justice. Williams gives a raw performance, showing fear, anger and quiet resistance as Spike is slowly pushed towards becoming something he never wanted to be.
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Above The Alpha, Samson (Chi Lewis-Parry), from ‘28 Years Later: The Bone Temple’
The Alpha, Samson (Chi Lewis-Parry), from ‘28 Years Later: The Bone Temple’
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The violence in this film is spot on. Many scenes are gruesome and linger longer than expected. This is a hard watch if you’re not into gore. Yet the film uses this brutality to make a point. It asks how far belief can twist morality and how easily cruelty can be justified when wrapped in faith. The Jimmys portrayed their roles well, instilling fear and showing us just the right amount of “crazy”.
Amid all this darkness, Ralph Fiennes brings a strange and unexpected tone as Dr Ian Kelson. He was briefly introduced in the previous film, 28 Years Later, making way for him to have more exposure in The Bone Temple. His scenes with the Alpha infected, Samson (Chi Lewis-Parry), introduce moments of humour and even sadness. Their connection suggests that even the infected may still hold fragments of humanity, which is both hopeful and heartbreaking. The film plays well with the audience’s feelings, making us want to cover our eyes, yet also tugging on our heartstrings.
Above Sir Jimmy Crystal (Jack O’Connell) leads the Jimmys in ‘28 Years Later: The Bone Temple’
Above Dr Ian Kelson and Samson slowly share a bond in ‘28 Years Later: The Bone Temple’
Sir Jimmy Crystal (Jack O’Connell) leads the Jimmys in ‘28 Years Later: The Bone Temple’
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The Bone Temple itself is a haunting creation, built from the remains of the dead and lit like a place of worship. The final act erupts into chaos, blending science and religion in a violent clash that reshapes the story’s future. A final scene with Jim (Cillian Murphy) connects the film to its roots and leaves a lasting feeling of excitement and fear.
28 Years Later: The Bone Temple is brutal, thought-provoking and unforgettable. It will not be for everyone, but it dares to show that the scariest monsters left in this world are still human.
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Credits
Images: Columbia Pictures
About
Jessica grew up writing letters for everyone, on every occasion. Little did she know that her hobby would eventually turn into a true passion. She believes that content should be relatable yet factual, engaging yet straightforward.
Work
A journalism graduate, Jessica never stops learning and honing her craft. She began her career as a Global Content Editor for a travel company, inspiring readers and travellers to explore the world. Currently, she writes on topics ranging from entertainment, health, sports and travel to in-depth stories about influential and impactful personalities.
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