28 Years Later saw Danny Boyle and screenwriter Alex Garland return to the “zombie” franchise they had launched to great acclaim more than two decades earlier. It was a largely successful return, emphasizing how people continue to live, scraping by in a world overrun by the rage virus. But for some, it left the horror aspect on the sidelines and that was disappointing. For those people, 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple will be more of what they were expecting, with Candyman director Nia DaCosta focusing on fear and gore to bring a different flavor, one that will hopefully continue into the next film.
Alfie William returns as Spike, and when we last left him, he was surrounded by the Satanic cult known as The Jimmys. Jack O’Connell, introduced early in the first film, is back as its Hellish leader, Sir Lord Jimmy Crystal. Alfie, miraculously, defeats one of them in battle, and his reward is being forced into their gang. Alfie is basically a passenger on this nightmare journey, with the Jimmys marauding through a devastated Britain looking for survivors to torture and sacrifice to “Old Nick” aka Satan. And when they do find survivors, they are gruesomely skinned alive with their screams a twisted offering.
28 Years Later: The Bone Temple also brings back arguably the two most popular characters from the prior movie and expands their impact on the story. Ralph Fiennes is back as Dr. Kelson, the red-skinned hermit who has built a literal bone temple shrine to those who have died. He is engaged in finding a cure to the rage virus, and has forged an unlikely bond with the massive alpha, Samson (Chi Lewis-Parry), who has become addicted to Kelson’s soothing treatments. The Kelson portions of the film are the most light-hearted, with him often seen dancing with Samson to the sounds of Iron Maiden and Duran Duran. Honestly, the humor is needed because this world is so grim that it could be exhausting without it. The balance is spot on.
These two separate storylines converge when The Jimmys spot Kelson and believe him to actually be Satan. The showdown is shockingly tense, as we know both Kelson and Jimmy Crystal are both extremely dangerous, but also at ideological odds. Spike gets somewhat lost in the shuffle, but I suspect that’s for good reason. The situation does not play out as expected. The violence, yes, but there are some shocking deaths and one heroic act that will have you cheering. Not only that, but it sets up a final scene that makes the third and final chapter of this trilogy even more anticipated.
The weak of stomach will want to cover their eyes for a lot of 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple, as some of the deaths are very graphic, especially when Samson gets his hands on someone. It’s good to see DaCosta back in this realm because she’s so adept at it. I say that, but the truth is DaCosta has proven to be good at pretty much everything. Her recent film Hedda is an extraordinary thriller and social commentary, while she’s also done great work with superheroes and smaller indie dramas. There’s nothing it seems she can’t do and do very well. Her take on 28 Years Later is less artsy than Boyle’s, but she knows how to navigate the human emotions that living in a world of chaos can bring.
Once again, the casting is superb from top to bottom. O’Connell channels some of the same psychotic menace that he brought to Sinners. It’s great to see Fiennes be a bit more playful as Kelson. And there’s also great performances from Emma Laird as the most twisted member of The Jimmys, and Erin Kellyman as one who becomes a friend to Spike when he needs it most. 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple is a phenomenal sequel, and different enough from the prior film that those who didn’t like it may find themselves enjoying this one. But if you’re like me and think both movies kicked ass, then the finale simply can’t get here fast enough.
28 Years Later: The Bone Temple opens in theaters January 16th.
