Without doubt, my favourite film of last year was 28 Years Later, so I went into 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple with high expectations.
Directed by Nia DaCosta and written by Alex Garland, the film stars Ralph Fiennes, Jack O’Connell, Chi Lewis-Parry, Erin Kellyman and Alfie Williams. It continues the story of Dr Ian Kelson while introducing a new faction led by Jimmy, played by O’Connell, who claims to be the son of “Old Nick”, Satan himself.
What made 28 Years Later so memorable was its thoughtful exploration of life, purpose and humanity beneath the surface of a zombie thriller. Central to that was the haunting introduction of Dr Kelson, played with quiet intensity by Fiennes. As the creator of the Bone Temple, Kelson honours those lost to the infection by treating the dead with dignity. What first appears grotesque gradually becomes something strangely moving, a monument not to horror but to remembrance.
This sequel deepens the franchise’s focus on survival and morality, suggesting that in the end we have only each other. Kelson continues his experiments on Samson in the hope of finding a cure, while the film explores Jimmy’s cult-like group, a brutal community forged by fear and violence. Its younger members are pushed into extreme, often inhumane acts simply to stay alive.
It is clear early on that Jimmy and Kelson are on a collision course, and watching Fiennes and O’Connell share the screen is electrifying. Both are exceptional. Fiennes, in particular, delivers work worthy of serious awards discussion, balancing compassion, grief and unsettling resolve. One surreal sequence, a mini rock concert, is already among my favourite scenes in recent cinema. Yes, I applauded. It earns it. O’Connell matches him step for step, mixing charm with genuine menace. The supporting cast are equally strong.
DaCosta’s direction is confident and measured, favouring character and atmosphere over constant chaos. The reduced reliance on frantic handheld camerawork gives the film a more intimate, focused feel, allowing the emotional weight to land.
Garland’s script is dark, timely and deeply unsettling, posing a central question. Which is more dangerous: infected humans who cannot reason, or uninfected humans who choose cruelty? Through Kelson’s work, the film argues that even in the bleakest conditions, humanity can endure if nurtured with patience and care.
As horror, The Bone Temple delivers on all fronts, with fast-moving infected, effective jump scares, psychological dread and moments of shocking brutality. The ideological clash between an atheist doctor and a fanatical cult leader mirrors modern political and religious divisions, giving the story unsettling real-world resonance. Dark humour occasionally cuts through the bleakness, offering brief but welcome relief.
Erin Kellyman is a standout as the emotional core of Jimmy’s group. Her performance brings warmth and moral clarity to an otherwise brutal environment, and her chemistry with Spike adds genuine heart. It is a role that quietly anchors the film’s humanity, and I am eager to see where the character goes next.
Overall, 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple is a confident, intelligent addition to the franchise and a powerful start to 2026. With big ideas, outstanding performances and assured direction, it stands among the year’s best films so far.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️