28 Years Later: The Bone Temple features peaceful and savage survivors, continuing the characters’ stories from the previous film.
Following his initiation, Spike (Alfie Williams) becomes one of Sir Lord Jimmy Crystal’s (Jack O’Connell) “Fingers.” They are a ruthless gang terrorizing the countryside. Meanwhile, the skull collector, Dr. Ian Kelson (Ralph Fiennes), continues building his memento mori. Eventually, the Satan-worshipping ringleader and pragmatic doctor cross paths with unexpected results. But nothing in this universe endures and every alliance can be broken.
This sequel picks up immediately after 28 Years Later ended. Spike’s saviours, The Jimmys, are mad. He’s smart enough to play along, biding his time until he can find a way to get away alive. Wearing the platinum blonde wig and leather lace-up mask is easy, but their sadism keeps him in a constant state of distress.
The picture harkens back to the cold and selfish behaviour of the soldiers in 28 Days Later, though they’ve taken the violence up a few notches. Writer Alex Garland skilfully links the scripts so they unfold in the same world, but evolve based on the virus’ phase and the characters’ development. Director Nia DaCosta is also no stranger to the horror genre. Taking over for Danny Boyle, she brings a fresh perspective to the series while ensuring it stays true to the franchise.
O’Connell and Fiennes deliver distinct but commanding performances. O’Connell gives Jimmy Crystal a charming, cult leader quality that seduces viewers alongside his young charges. Yet, his appeal is contested by his own desire for power through abuse. On the other hand, Fiennes portrays an eccentric man who remains curious about the world and continues to find small pleasures amongst its desolation.
As the middle film in a trilogy, this picture builds on its predecessor while making it better, promising an exciting third chapter.
Director: Nia DaCosta
Starring: Jack O’Connell, Alfie Williams and Ralph Fiennes
