I’m probably in the minority of 28 Years Later (2025) enjoyers, hearing my Geordie accent and hometown on the big screen was something I never thought I’d see, and I left the cinema in tears after the emotional gut-punch that the film delivered. Though many felt it lacked in the horror department, 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple (2026) more than makes up for it; the gore is plentiful, with many beheadings and skinnings taking place. It being mainly due to new character, Jimmy Crystal, and alpha zombie nudist Samson, once again, nothing prepares you for the amount of dick screen time here.
New director Nia DaCosta takes the helm and is no stranger to horror sequels, having directed Candyman (2021). Alex Garland remains in the writers’ chair, penning a script that feels like the complete antithesis of its predecessor: focusing on an insane and feral cult as well as spotlighting Dr Ian Kelson, played excellently by Ralph Fiennes. Fiennes has more time to shine than in the previous outing and is also allowed to explore his musical talents as well. The cult is led by Jimmy Crystal, played by cult-leader of the year Jack O’Connell, in another wild and wonderful performance. It’s not subtle who they are based on, all looking like infamous sex offender Jimmy Savile, which a lot of Americans have not realised and have been dressing up as him to various showings; if someone did that here, they’d get thrown out before even stepping foot in the cinema. Spike, played by fellow Geordie Alfie Williams, takes a back seat in this film, which is a shame given his excellent performance, but hopefully he is back as a main player in the final part of this trilogy.
28 Years Later: The Bone Temple (2026) is a worthy sequel. The gore and jump scares, coupled with amazing performances, are what many felt last year’s outing should have been, and hopefully, Danny Boyle can finish this trilogy with a bang. No spoilers, but hearing ‘In a House – In a Heartbeat’ play over the credits was euphoric.
“Jack O’Connell (Cropped)” by Ian Smith from London, England is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0.