Films about the zombie apocalypse and its spread across the entire globe have had their seat at the table for years now. There are plenty of great examples of engaging plotlines with interesting characters in this specific subgenre, and there are others that aren’t enjoyable in any way.
In 2002, filmmakers Danny Boyle and Alex Garland brought to life a version of the zombie apocalypse that was a commentary on the decline of Great Britain. That film was “28 Days Later” (2002), starring Cillian Murphy, Brendan Gleeson, Naomie Harris and Christopher Eccleston.
The far less popular sequel titled “28 Weeks Later” was released in 2007, which shifts from the creepy atmosphere of the original film to a more conventional action thriller. Last year, Boyle and Garland teamed up again to make and release “28 Years Later” (2025), which starred Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Jodie Comer and Ralph Fiennes.
That film garnered a lot of attention for its return to the tone and filmmaking style of the first entry into the franchise. However, it still isn’t seen as a masterpiece by many, as it currently stands at a 6.6/10 rating on IMDb.
A sequel to “28 Years Later” was also filmed in the summer of 2024. “28 Years Later: The Bone Temple” serves as a direct continuation of what was shown in “28 Years Later,” and it might very well be the best of this franchise.
Viewers follow the story of Spike (Alfie Williams) as he’s drawn into a satanic cult led by Sir Jimmy Crystal (Jack O’Connell). Meanwhile, Dr. Ian Kelson (Ralph Fiennes) begins researching more on the exact cause of the Rage Virus and its effects. He uses an alpha-infected person, Kelson dubs Samson (Chi Lewis-Parry), to run tests.
Crystal’s cult members, whom he calls “The Jimmies,” go about their ways of torturing innocent, non-infected people as offerings of sacrifice to Crystal's father, Old Nick. Old Nick is another name for Satan. Eventually, The Jimmies and Kelson’s paths cross, resulting in a test of survival, faith and enduring humanity.
“28 Years Later: The Bone Temple” stands as its own film without needing to be compared to previous works in the series. This film does not have the same style in terms of shaky-cam and the discomfort of when Boyle was behind the camera.
For the most part, this film’s visual storytelling is more relaxed in its approach. But it does have moments of blood and violence that definitely make the audience want to look away. Director Nia DaCosta did a fabulous job balancing that tone.
The look of the film is also worth pointing out. It was shot and filmed in various forest locations near the village of Redmire in North Yorkshire, England. The film’s director of photography, Sean Bobbitt, captures beautiful scenery with almost every frame of the picture.
It’s not too often a modern-day horror film looks as stunning as “28 Years Later: The Bone Temple.” While the film takes place in a zombie apocalypse environment, it offers far more subtext on the meaning of life and death, and that is not possible without Fiennes’ performance as Kelson.
Kelson was introduced in the prior film, but was not the focus, same as Williams’ Spike and Comer’s Isla. Here, he’s given more screentime and simply more to do with his character. Kelson is easily the best character of the two films.
Fiennes has always been an actor to deliver an excellent performance that will stick with the audience for a long time, even if they aren’t always award-nominated. Kelson’s doctor-patient relationship with Samson is a surprise plotline many will not see coming. The way it is written is deeply empathic and human.
So much more could be said about “28 Years Later: The Bone Temple.” Other performances like O’Connell’s Crystal are phenomenal, and the choice of music really works with certain scenes in the film. For a film released in January, it already has grounds to be one of 2026’s best.
Rating: 4/5
