The new horror film, “28 Years Later: The Bone Temple,” emerges as a surprisingly potent chapter in the franchise, exploring a terrifying crisis of faith within a post-apocalyptic landscape. Following a significant gap since “28 Weeks Later,” this installment, directed by Nia DaCosta, injects a fresh energy with its blend of gore, violence, and surprisingly effective dark humor. The film delves into the core of human connection and community, showcasing what individuals are willing to fight and die for amidst a world overrun by the infected.
“What is 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple about?” The movie picks up after the events of “28 Years Later,” introducing us to teenager Spike, a new recruit in Sir Lord Jimmy Crystal’s cult. These followers, all sporting platinum blonde wigs and adopting the moniker “Jimmy,” exhibit an ultraviolent approach to survival. While Spike can handle himself against the infected, his skills pale in comparison to the cult’s brutal methods.
Spike struggles to accept Jimmy Crystal’s claims of divine guidance, yet he finds himself compelled to join the ranks, adopting the cult’s distinctive appearance. This journey into the cult’s inner circle allows “28 Years Later: The Bone Temple” to explore how faith can be twisted into a weapon, harming those it is meant to protect. The Jimmys, a group bound by a shared fondness and a sense of collective safety, are presented as individuals whose adherence to Jimmy Crystal stems from fear and a pervasive gullibility exacerbated by societal collapse.
Jack O’Connell delivers a striking performance as Jimmy Crystal, portraying a character who, despite his psychopathic tendencies and delusional episodes, appears as a frightened boy trapped within an unhinged man. His references to Teletubbies and his belief that Satan whispers to him are convincing to his younger followers, who have grown up in a world lacking reliable authority figures. However, this bluster proves less effective against older individuals with more life experience and memories of the pre-plague era, such as Dr. Ian Kelson, played by Ralph Fiennes.
Through Dr. Kelson, “28 Years Later: The Bone Temple” begins to address fascinating questions about the infected, including Samson, the formidable Alpha introduced in the previous film. The new movie dedicates more screen time to these returning characters, offering a deeper understanding of their lives and how their encounters have shaped them. Fiennes and Chi Lewis-Parry, as Samson, share a compelling dynamic, creating moments that are surprising, alarming, and unexpectedly humorous.
Despite the levity, Kelson and Samson’s interactions serve as a poignant reminder of the humanity lost in the 28 years since the Rage contagion spread. While “28 Years Later” was seen as a conversation with zombie narratives inspired by “28 Days Later,” “The Bone Temple” draws heavily from older undead canon. DaCosta’s direction emphasizes unsettling stillness and claustrophobic shots during Samson’s hunts, reminiscent of George Romero’s iconic shambling corpses.
Samson is presented as a new breed of infected, possessing enhanced intelligence and the ability to interact with others like him. This evolution of the infected adds a fresh layer to the franchise’s mythology. The film effectively contrasts the primal nature of the infected with the complex psychological struggles of the human characters.
Nia DaCosta’s directorial style in “28 Years Later: The Bone Temple” is less frenetic than its predecessor, allowing some of the most disturbing scares to unfold slowly. This deliberate pacing builds tension effectively, which is then masterfully defused by perfectly timed needle drops, adding a unique rhythm to the horror.
It was challenging to envision how “28 Years Later” could evolve into a compelling trilogy. However, “The Bone Temple” demonstrates that the creative team, including Danny Boyle and Alex Garland, had a strong vision from the outset of this new chapter. DaCosta skillfully sets the stage for promising developments in the trilogy’s conclusion, with Boyle slated to return. If the subsequent films maintain this level of innovation within the undead genre, the wait will undoubtedly prove worthwhile.
Featured snippet paragraph: The answer is that “28 Years Later: The Bone Temple” explores how faith can be weaponized by cult leaders to control followers, leading to a terrifying crisis of faith amidst a zombie apocalypse. It highlights the loss of humanity and the struggle for survival, blending intense horror with dark humor.
The film also stars Louis Ashbourne Serkis, Maura Bird, Ghazi Al Ruffai, Sam Locke, and Cillian Murphy. “28 Years Later: The Bone Temple” is set to hit theaters on January 16th, promising a gripping continuation of the franchise’s legacy. The narrative skillfully balances the visceral horror of the infected with the psychological dread of human manipulation, making it a standout in the genre.
This new installment offers a critical look at societal collapse and the psychological impact on individuals, particularly the youth who are more susceptible to charismatic but dangerous leaders. The film’s exploration of cult dynamics adds a layer of societal commentary to the established zombie horror premise, making it more than just a creature feature.
“28 Years Later: The Bone Temple” stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of the franchise, successfully blending established elements with new creative directions. The performances, particularly from O’Connell and Fiennes, anchor the emotional weight of the story, ensuring that the horror resonates on multiple levels. The film’s willingness to experiment with tone and narrative structure bodes well for the future of the series.
