The Wasteland Reviewer

28 Years Later: The Bone Temple (2026) Written Review

Where does this epic tale of a fallen society in the shadow of a great infection take us? Danny Boyle and Alex Garland came back after years to deliver a third entry in their horror franchise that put them on the map. 28 Years Later was one of the most interesting and unique films of last year that continued the impressive streak of horror films (which defined the cinematic landscape last year). Alfie Williams’ Spike left his close-knit community for the first time and found a landscape full of infected fear, twisted human beings, and a few shining lights of humanity left on the islands that make up the British Isles. But 28 Years Later ended with our young protagonist being discovered by a parkour, jumpsuit-wearing gang which will change his life forever. 

Where does Garland take Spike and the audience with this new sequel? The Bone Temple just might be one of the most unique zombie-related films out there. There is a handle of significant threads that make up the great narrative of The Bone Temple. The exploits of the Jimmy Crystal Gang make up a large portion of the film, and they bring mayhem, brutality, and death to this story in mass. Spike is on a harrowing journey that sees him confront the unfortunate fact that the infected might not be the real monsters out in the world. The struggle he experiences to avoid being consumed by this gang’s darkness is one of the big emotional cores of the film. Spike meets Jimmy Ink (Erin Kellyman) who plays an important role as she is the first of Jimmy Crystal’s acolytes who begins to test his cult and the power he has over them. Her connection with Spike is one of the core elements at the heart of the film. Sir Jimmy (Jack O’Connell) turns out to be quite the interesting character full of delusions, vulnerability, and unchecked trauma. Sir Jimmy could have easily been a pure evil cult leader, but Garland adds plenty of dimensions, especially during a face-to-face with Ralph Fiennes’ Dr. Kelson. Fiennes’ returning character from 28 Years Later (who was honestly the best part of the film) just might be the true protagonist of this story. The fleshing out of this character adds so many layers to the experience and his treatment of the infected alpha, Samson, makes for one of the most unexpectedly poignant elements to the film’s masterfully realized story. Samson’s own journey takes the film in whole new directions and changes the greater context of this franchise in such an impressive way. If you are looking for nonstop zombie-like thrills and horror, The Bone Temple is not that. But what it delivers is so much more. 

How does Nia DaCosta make The Bone Temple her own? Taking the reins from Boyle has not been a great move for the franchise in the past but that is not the case this time. Boyle delivered such a unique and specific visual experience with his two entries, but DaCosta brings a new, yet equally effective vision to The Bone Temple. The camera moves in dynamic ways that capture the scale of this isolated and eerily gorgeous setting. There is discomfort in the intimacy that the camera finds throughout the film while also capturing some beautiful moments as well. Some of the most interesting work is how the camera engages with Samson when the audience is forced into his perspective as it highlights how his treatment evolves throughout the film. Cinematographer Sean Bobbitt does great work in delivering an engrossing experience. Composer Hildur Guonadottir delivers a layered and dynamic score that pairs perfectly with the film’s sharp sound design to make this experience fully engrossing. DaCosta does great work in balancing plenty of effective humor with the darker and more dramatic elements of the film’s tone. There is constant tension that keeps the audience on edge but there is such a deeply soulful feeling to many sequences in the film. Few horror films have dug this deep into their humanity to deliver something so moving. There are plenty of impressive scenes throughout the film that are hardcore in their violence and gore (while tastefully obscuring without losing effectiveness). The way music is leveraged for the film is quite impressive as Dr. Kelson’s record collection becomes a character of its own. There is one sequence in the film that will become its defining element that is so metal and thrilling that it will be hard to forget. DaCosta’s work is so impressive because it never lets the audience’s attention go no matter what type of tone and feeling they are going for. 

What is the last great ingredient in this impressive cinematic alchemy? The cast elevates the whole experience. Fiennes brings so much humanity, heart, and soul to this film and the world that it captures. His acting choices are so well informed through his perfect comedic timing, his physicality as the music moves his body, and the connection he finds with other characters. Williams is a consistent ball of nerves and vulnerability throughout this film, and he builds so much empathy for his character. O’Connell is a revelation as Sir Jimmy. Few actors can channel such charisma as the cult of personality around his character is essential to the mechanisms of this story. But he could have just been chewing scenery the whole time which would have lessened the impact of the film. But instead, O’Connell delivers humanity, vulnerability, and fear in key scenes that recontextualizes this tortured individual whose internal demons have led to some pure evil in the world. Kellyman brings such confidence and presence as the key member of this cult and her connection with Williams brings some real tenderness to the experience. Chi Lewis-Parry might be the biggest surprise in the film as his physicality and facial acting is essential to selling Samson’s arc (which he delivers in spades). The rest of the young actors who make up this cult (including a true standout in Emma Laird), make some intriguing choices to make them more terrifying and unnerving. 

Does DaCosta’s latest entry keep this franchise on its upwards trajectory? Many will point out the “middle chapter” feel of The Bone Temple, but the rich character journeys make this a wholly satisfying cinematic experience. DaCosta roars into this franchise with a confident and powerful vision making this a horrifying, funny, and deeply emotional journey. The character work is top notch as their interactions deepen and transform the world of this franchise. There are plenty of standout moments and plenty of philosophical engagement that will make this a lasting experience. Oh…and those final moments will certainly be getting everyone excited for a third leg of this revived franchise.