28 Years Later: The Bone Temple Stuns with Brutal Vision
Early reactions to 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple praise its unflinching intensity, dark humour, and standout performances from Jack O'Connell and Ralph Fiennes.
With the release of 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple just around the corner, initial impressions from critics have begun to surface—and the response is nothing short of enthusiastic. The much-anticipated sequel has been described as a relentless and visceral experience, with many noting its uncompromising approach to horror and a level of intensity that surpasses its predecessor.
This has cranked everything up to 11, and I warn you, you will need a very strong stomach (or a sick bag),
remarked Tori Brazier, capturing the film’s unflinching nature. Christopher Mills went so far as to call it
one of the greatest horror movies of the decade, as it takes the first movie and goes 10 extra miles with the brutality and intensity of the world.
New Direction, Fresh Energy
While the original was directed by Danny Boyle, the sequel sees Nia DaCosta at the helm, a change that has been met with considerable approval. Rachel Leishman observed,
Nia DaCosta brought her unique style to this world in a captivating way.
Amon Warmann added,
Yet more evidence that when you let Nia Da Costa cook, great things tend to happen.
Giovanni Lago also praised DaCosta’s approach, noting how her vision both honours and reimagines the groundwork laid by Boyle.
The film’s creative team has been lauded for pushing boundaries, with DaCosta’s direction and Alex Garland’s script combining to deliver a story that feels both familiar and daringly new. Boyle’s involvement as producer has ensured a sense of continuity, even as the sequel carves out its own identity.
Performances That Leave a Mark
Among the cast, Jack O'Connell and Ralph Fiennes have drawn particular attention for their performances. O'Connell’s portrayal of the cult leader Jimmy Crystal has been described as both chilling and darkly comic. Will Salmon commented,
It's nastier and – surprisingly – funnier than the first part, with mesmerizing performances from Jack O'Connell and Ralph Fiennes.
Matt Neglia echoed this sentiment, stating,
Jack O'Connell, meanwhile, is disturbingly hilarious as the unhinged St. Jimmy, a man fully convinced he's the devil's own son.
Fiennes returns as Dr. Kelson, bringing a peculiar energy to the role that has been widely praised. The supporting cast, including Alfie Williams as Spike and Chi Lewis-Parry as Alpha Samson, round out a line-up that has been described as both compelling and unpredictable.
A World More Terrifying Than Ever
The narrative picks up after the wild events at the end of the previous instalment, following Spike’s harrowing encounter with Jimmy Crystal and his followers. The story quickly spirals into a nightmare from which escape seems impossible. Meanwhile, Dr. Kelson finds himself entangled in a relationship with consequences that threaten to upend everything.
In this new chapter, the infected are no longer the only—or even the greatest—danger. The true horror, it seems, lies in the actions of those left behind. As the synopsis puts it,
In the world of The Bone Temple, the infected are no longer the greatest threat to survival – the inhumanity of the survivors can be stranger and more terrifying.
28 Years Later: The Bone Temple is set to arrive in cinemas on 16 January 2026, promising an experience that is as thought-provoking as it is unsettling.