What’s it about?

A direct sequel to 2025’s 28 Years Later, Bone Temple continues the stories of Dr. Kelson (Ralph Fiennes) and Spike (Alfie Williams).

What’d we think?

I thought the first instalment of 28 Years Later was an exceptional and beautiful movie. It could have easily played all the hits that made 28 Days Later a success. Instead, it opted for an emotional and introspective approach that examined toxic masculinity and manhood as well as empathy in a violent world. While Bone Temple (thankfully) continues this tone, it explores different themes — it’s a much darker and more brutal movie than its predecessor. 

Bone Temple picks up soon after the end of the first film where the Jimmy gang, led by Jack O’Connell’s Jimmy Crystal, has taken Spike under their wing. The Jimmys terrorise unsuspecting folk as Spike struggles to assimilate and survive. Meanwhile, we also follow Ralph Fiennes’ kindhearted Dr Ian Kelson, who is investigating how much humanity is left in the infected — specifically the Alpha he names Samson. The movie bounces well between both stories, juxtaposing the darkness against the themes of empathy and light. 

This is very much Ralph Fiennes and Jack O’Connell’s movie. Both actors are fantastic, especially when they inevitably meet and share screen time together.  Ralph Fiennes steals the show at one point but I won’t give anything away: you’ll know it when you see it. 

I really enjoyed this movie. I’m thrilled to see what they’ll do next for the definitely confirmed greenlit third movie of the trilogy. Howzat!