As Spike is inducted into Jimmy Crystal's gang on the mainland, Dr. Kelson makes a discovery that could alter the world.

It was slightly surreal that the first media screening of the new year was a direct sequel to a film that only feels like it came out a couple of months ago. But here we are in 2026 with 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple. Even without the arthouse sensibilities of its direct predecessor, 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple is a wonderfully chaotic blend of horror and humanity. 

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In a continuation of the epic story, Dr. Kelson (Ralph Fiennes) finds himself in a shocking new relationship - with consequences that could change the world as they know it - and Spike's (Alfie Williams) encounter with Jimmy Crystal (Jack O'Connell) becomes a nightmare he can't escape. In the world of The Bone Temple, the infected are no longer the greatest threat to survival - the inhumanity of the survivors can be stranger and more terrifying.

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The Bone Temple picks up right after 28 Years Later with Spike put into one of the most mentally and physically intimidating scenes that we will witness this year. As the villain of the piece O’Connell’s Jimmy Crystal dominates proceedings making his violent and depraved way through the zombie landscape. This is narratively interwoven with Dr. Kelson’s medical experiments on Samson, a physically immense Alpha zombie and their friendship as it develops. 

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This all comes to a head as Jimmy Crystal confronts Dr. Kelson with the two’s view of the world - spirituality versus medicine - coming to the fore. The themes explored here are incredibly subtle and are not only wonderfully expressed but help to set up a potential further installment. 

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Fiennes continues to be magnificent in the role of Dr. Kelson, infusing him equally with authority and kindness. But it’s O’Connell who shines here bringing us a more depraved villain than he did in Sinners if that can be believed. From his melodic accent that lures you in, to the way in which he doles out his ‘charity’, this is a villain for the ages. 

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Even without the arthouse sensibilities of its direct predecessor, 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple is a wonderfully chaotic blend of horror and humanity.

★★★★