28 Years Later: The Bone Temple

Synopsis: Dr. Kelson finds himself in a shocking new relationship with consequences that could change the world as he knows it, while Spike's encounter with Jimmy Crystal becomes a nightmare he can't escape. 

Movie Review:

“28 Years Later: The Bone Temple” is directed by Mia Dacosta, and it's the fourth installment in this horror zombie series. It's a sequel to last year's "28 Years Later," which I found quite enjoyable, although I wasn't a fan of the previous film's ending. This new movie picks up just seconds after the last one, and I have to say, it might just be my favorite in the franchise. It features a compelling emotional narrative centered around themes of religion, death, and violence, along with two outstanding performances that make for an incredible cinematic experience.

Ralph Fiennes reprises his role as Dr. Ian Kelson, a character we met in the previous film. He once again delivers a performance that is emotional, heartbreaking, and at times, silly yet funny. I appreciated how his character never lost hope in finding a cure for the devastating infection that has decimated humanity, symbolizing hope itself. The bond he forms with an infected individual known as an Alpha, played by Chi Lewis-Parry, is remarkable. Chi gives a hauntingly unforgettable performance that is both terrifying and scary, yet his friendship with Dr. Kelson restores a sense of humanity, making it a beautiful aspect of the story.

Jack O’Connell portrays Sir Lord Jimmy Crystal, the leader of a deranged cult and the film's antagonist. His character is crazy, ruthless, and terrifying, with a brutality that made my skin crawl, establishing him as one of the most despicable villains I've encountered in a long time. Alfie Williams returns as Spike, and once again, he stands out as he gets entangled in this insane cult, trying to escape—a riveting storyline that kept me engaged throughout the film. Erin Kellyman plays Jimmy Ink, one of Jimmy's cult members, and she steals the spotlight as a ruthless character who surprisingly has a soft spot for Spike, making her character more likable.

The intertwining of these two vastly different storylines culminates in an amazing third act that is satisfying, action-packed, and filled with craziness, keeping me entertained. While this installment features the least amount of zombie action, it feels less like a traditional zombie movie and more like a survival thriller, which I found to be perfectly fine. Despite a slow start, the film ultimately delivers a thrilling experience. I am giving “28 years Later: The bone Temple a 4.5/5 stars.  

Director: Nia DaCosta 

Cast: Ralph Fiennes, Jack O’Connell, Alfie Williams, Erin Kellyman, Chi Lewis-Parry, Emma Laird, Sam Locke, Robert Rhodes, Ghazi Al Ruffia, Maura Bird, Connor Newell, Louis Ashbourne Serkis, Gordon Alexander, Mirren Mack, David Sterne, Elliot Bern, Natalie Cousteau and Cillian Murphy 

Runtime: 109 Minutes