Ralph Fiennes in “28 Years Later: The Bone Temple.” (Miya Mizuno/Columbia Pictures/TNS)
“28 Years Later: The Bone Temple” is the latest installment in the 28 Days Later franchise and a direct sequel to its predecessor “28 Years Later.”
The 28 Days Later franchise is set in a post-apocalyptic Britain that has been ravaged by the rage virus—a bloodborne virus that comes with zombie-like symptoms.
Of all the movies in this series, “28 Years Later: The Bone Temple” is my favorite thus far. It takes a unique route, focusing on building upon the previously set story from “28 Years Later.”
The film features dual storylines, one depicting the connection between a “doctor” and an infected alpha (or zombie).
The other storyline in this film focuses on a boy named Spike (Alfie Williams) and the Jimmies, a cult-like group that “rescued” Spike in the last movie.
In particular, I found the relationship between Dr. Ian Kelson (Ralph Fiennes) and Samson (Chi Lewis-Perry) the most compelling part of this film.
Both characters were featured in the previous film, but this sequel dives deeper into their dynamic in a way I hadn’t expected. Dr. Kelson builds a relationship with Samson, who is an infected Alpha (or zombie) with heightened strength and resilience.
Initially, I found the scenes between Dr. Kelson and Samson to drag, but upon reflection, the film does an excellent job at building their connection well by the end.
Fiennes and Lewis-Perry’s performances throughout this film are remarkable. Both actors capture your attention and create a tight feeling in your stomach whenever you see them interact.
It leaves you wondering if Dr. Kelson will succeed in his mission with Samson in the end.
The Jimmies are led by Sir Jimmy Crystal (Jack O’Connell), a man who survived the initial rage virus outbreak as a child.
O’Connell gives a superb performance to the point that I did not recognize him in the slightest despite seeing him in other films. He molded the character into someone that’s impossible to look away from—a scene stealer for sure.
The writing and directing of this film shocked me. My qualms with sequels almost always are that the writers either run out of interesting storylines or completely bastardize the story, but this is absolutely not the case here.
Despite being a bit slow to start, this film progresses like a novel that keeps building upon itself in the best way. I found myself eager to see what happens next, rather than bored.
The cinematography itself is stunning and differs greatly from the earlier films in the 28 Days Later franchise, but I found it works well for this new story.
I can’t spoil my favorite scene, but there is one with Fiennes towards the end that highlights the beauty of this film wonderfully. It’s magical, enticing, and had me hoping to see more.
If the franchise continues in this direction and further explores this world, I could definitely see it having great success. This is one of my favorite sequels of any film by far. I would give it an 8.5/10.
I highly recommend anyone tired of boring apocalypse films to check out this film. It is a sequel, but it’s one that will make you want to get into the franchise.
“28 Years Later: The Bone Temple” is currently showing in theaters.