Get ready to have your mind blown—because the zombie apocalypse just got a whole lot weirder. Ralph Fiennes steals the show in 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple, a sequel that’s as offbeat as it is thrilling. But here’s where it gets controversial: is this installment a bold evolution of the series, or does it play it too safe? Let’s dive in.
Time has finally caught up with the 28 Days Later franchise, but don’t worry—it’s not because our real-world pandemic turned us into zombies. (Though, let’s be honest, the anti-vaccination movement sometimes feels like a close second.) Instead, the series has taken a temporal leap, ditching the precise time-tracking of its predecessors for a more ambiguous subtitle. Gone are the days, weeks, and years—now, we’re in The Bone Temple, a title that’s catchier than Plus Six To Ten Days, Give Or Take and hints at a shift in focus.
This isn’t about exploring a newly reconfigured world; it’s about survival in a world that’s already been reshaped. Spike (Alfie Williams), the scrappy teenager we last saw braving the zombie-infested English countryside, is quickly absorbed into a cultish gang led by the fearsome Sir Lord Jimmy Crystal (Jack O’Connell). Remember that cliffhanger from the last movie? It’s resolved almost immediately, but the real question is: what happens next? And this is the part most people miss—the violence here isn’t just zombie-driven; it’s human-on-human, echoing the darkest corners of our own reality.
Jimmy, with his Scottish brogue and penchant for chaos, feels like a twisted cousin of Begbie from Trainspotting. But while Danny Boyle’s influence lingers, he’s stepped back into a producer role, handing the reins to Nia DaCosta (Candyman, Hedda). Her direction is a mix of homage and innovation, with camera work that ranges from zombie-eye-view shots to eerily calm overhead perspectives. Yet, her style is more restrained than Boyle’s multi-iPhone phantasmagoria, giving the film a polished, if less experimental, look.
But here’s the controversial part: does DaCosta’s approach make the film more accessible—or does it lose some of the series’ edge? The story, penned by returning screenwriter Alex Garland, feels more crowd-pleasing, intercutting multiple storylines that inevitably collide in the third act. While this makes the world feel smaller, it does give us more time with Dr. Ian Kelson (Ralph Fiennes), the compassionate doctor who’s built a bone-temple memorial to the dead. His unlikely bond with Samson (Chi Lewis-Parry), a super-evolved “alpha” zombie, is one of the film’s highlights—and Fiennes, as always, is nothing short of spectacular.
Fiennes’ performance is a masterclass, balancing wry humor with a deep humanity. His role as the film’s in-world music supervisor is a delightful surprise, complete with a Duran Duran-heavy soundtrack that feels both nostalgic and apocalyptic. (Sorry, Sleeper fans—Boyle’s quirky touches are missed here.) O’Connell, too, shines in his gruesome quest for power, delivering moments of dark humor that feel eerily relatable.
But what about Spike? The stealth star of the previous film feels sidelined here, his agency muted by his forced membership in Jimmy’s gang. Alfie Williams’ performance is still strong, but his character’s terror feels one-note, a missed opportunity for the series’ coming-of-age narrative. And while the film ends on a bonkers cliffhanger, it lacks the emotional punch of its predecessor, leaving us with a satisfying but somewhat hollow resolution.
Is this the start of a Planet of the Apes-style saga, minus the clear endpoint? It’s possible. The Bone Temple is thoroughly entertaining and retains the series’ offbeat charm, but it may need a little more time to find its footing. For now, it’s a solid entry that leaves us hungry for more—and debating whether that’s a good thing.
Thought-provoking question for you: Does The Bone Temple take enough risks, or does it play it too safe? Let us know in the comments!
Director: Nia DaCosta
Writer: Alex Garland
Starring: Ralph Fiennes, Alfie Williams, Jack O’Connell, Erin Kellyman, Chi Lewis-Parry
Release Date: January 16, 2026
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