28 Years Later: The Bone Temple’s Cult Theory Unveiled
A chilling fan theory about Sir Jimmy Crystal’s cult in 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple hints at a tragic family connection, offering a new perspective on the villain’s disturbing rules.
Speculation is rife among horror enthusiasts over the unsettling logic behind Sir Jimmy Crystal’s cult in 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple. Jack O’Connell’s menacing character, notorious for his strict limitations on the number of followers, has prompted viewers to dig deeper into the origins of these rules. The result? A theory that’s as bleak as it is fascinating, casting a shadow over the film’s already grim narrative.
Those who recall the previous instalment will remember its harrowing opening: a Scottish family home and a nearby church overrun by the infected, leaving a trail of devastation. Children and the local vicar fall victim, but one child escapes the carnage. That survivor, as it turns out, is Jimmy. Now, a particularly observant viewer has suggested that Jimmy’s so-called “Fingers” are more than just loyal henchmen—they’re a stand-in for the siblings he lost that night.
The Numbers Game: More Than Just Superstition
On social media, the theory has gained traction.
“The Fingers are called The Fingers but have more than 5 members but cannot have more than 7, this is because Jimmy is (I assume subconsciously) replacing the same amount of sisters he lost,”
wrote @pipeshotgun, sharing images from both the latest film and the earlier, traumatic prologue.
Others have chimed in, offering their own interpretations.
“Plus, 7 isn’t even associated with the devil in the Bible. 7 is often viewed as a holy number. It’s very clearly him linking it to his family,”
one user replied, while another speculated,
“Hear me out, it’s for the 7 deadly sins.”
The cult’s distinctive blonde wigs have also come under scrutiny, with one fan quipping,
“Explains the wigs!”
and another adding,
“I thought it was only 7 because that was how many wigs he had.”
Rituals and Rivalries: The Cult’s Deadly Initiations
Within the film, the process for joining Jimmy’s inner circle is as brutal as it is ritualistic. Prospective members must challenge an existing “Finger” to a fight to the death. The victor either retains their place or claims the spot of the fallen. This savage tradition ensures the group never exceeds its mysterious upper limit, reinforcing the sense of loss and replacement that underpins the theory.
While the speculation remains unconfirmed, the film does not shy away from exploring the psychological scars left by Jimmy’s childhood. His father’s twisted religious beliefs—embracing the infected as agents of purification—loom large over his actions in the present apocalypse. In a rare moment of vulnerability, Jimmy confides in Dr. Kelson, played by Ralph Fiennes, revealing that he believes his father, whom he equates with Satan, continues to issue commands in his mind.
Legacy of Trauma: Family, Faith, and the Apocalypse
28 Years Later: The Bone Temple is currently showing in cinemas, with a third instalment already in development. The film’s exploration of trauma, faith, and the desperate search for belonging has clearly struck a chord with audiences, fuelling debate and darkly imaginative theories. For those eager for more, a host of upcoming horror releases promises to keep the conversation going well into the year.