After years of development, the long-awaited 28 Years Later hit theaters in 2025 to critical and commercial success. The film grossed $151.3 million worldwide against a $60 million budget and made numerous “Best of” lists. Before its release, filmmaker Nia DaCosta entered negotiations to direct a sequel in 2024, with Alex Garland writing. While Garland and original director Danny Boyle oversaw production, they gave de DaCosta plenty of creative freedom. With a $63 million budget, principal photography started in August 2024, three weeks after the last film. Much of the cast from the last one returned, including Ralph Fiennes, Jack O’Connell, Alfie Williams, and Chi Lewis-Parry. Filming wrapped in late 2024, with its release scheduled for 2026, allowing the filmmakers extra time for post-production. In January 2026, Nia DaCosta’s follow-up, 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple, hit theaters worldwide.
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Synopsis
After being rescued by The Jimmys, Spike (Alfie Williams) gets initiated into the gang through a fight to the death. Meanwhile, Dr. Kelson (Ralph Fiennes) continues maintaining his bone temple while monitoring the local infected. He takes an interest in an alpha infected, whom he dubs Samson (Chi Lewis-Parry), due to his imposing figure. With help from a sedative, Kelson develops a friendship with Samson as he tries to bring out his humanity. Across the way, the Jimmys capture a small group of survivors under orders from Sir Lord Jimmy Crystal (Jack O’Connell). He and the others sacrifice the victims as part of a satanic ritual, much to Spike’s revulsion. Soon, The Jimmys find Dr. Kelson and believe he’s Satan because of his orange skin and his interactions with Samson. But what Kelson discovers through his friendship with Samson will change the course of history forever.
Review
While I enjoyed 28 Years Later, I thought some things held it back from being truly exceptional. The tone was inconsistent, some of the editing choices were odd, and the new lore seemed unnecessary. So, color me surprised that 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple somehow improves on the last movie. For the record, I didn’t dislike Danny Boyle’s return to the franchise, but I think it could’ve been better. While Boyle’s direction felt somewhat dated, Nia DaCosta’s more deliberate directing style feels fresh and exciting. She makes excellent use of wide-angle shots, natural lighting, and close-ups that allow the actors to emote more. It probably helps that, while the last movie used iPhone cameras, this one used an Arri Alexa 35 camera. Not saying that you need high-end equipment to make a good movie, but the difference is very noticeable.
Just as in the last film, Alfie Williams gives an outstanding performance as Spike, bringing the same depth and emotion. You can see in his face how desperately he wants to escape, but knows he can’t because there’s nothing else. Just like in Sinners, Jack O’Connell is fantastic as the sadistic Sir Lord Jimmy Crystal, exuding charisma and terror. Ralph Fiennes is also superb as Dr. Kelson, and his scenes with Samson are among the highlights. Granted, the subplot more or less cribs off of Dr. Frankenstein and Bub’s relationship from Day of the Dead. Still, it’s done uniquely, and Samson’s regaining of humanity leads to some spectacular set pieces, particularly in a subway car. Also noteworthy is Erin Kellyman as Jimmy Ink, the only Jimmy who befriends Spike and disagrees with Jimmy Crystal’s methods. Everyone puts in a great performance, and I’m curious to see what they do next.
Like any good horror film, this one dishes out plenty of gore, though it’s more disturbing than the last movie. You still get Samson ripping someone’s head off with the spine attached, ala Mortal Kombat, but it’s less cartoonish here. There’s also a horrific scene where people have their torsos skinned in a ritualistic manner by The Jimmys. While you only see the aftermath, it’s a grisly scene illustrating humanity’s fall in a post-apocalyptic world. The movie also makes excellent use of music, both the score by Oscar-winning Hildur Guðnadóttir and the licensed music. One memorable scene features a massive performance by Kelson, set to “The Number of the Beast” by Iron Maiden. At 109 minutes, the film moves at a decent pace, though there are some slow scenes that could’ve been trimmed. Overall, 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple surpasses the previous installment in almost every way.
28 Years Later: The Bone Temple is in theaters.
Where to watch 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple (2026)
