Last year, 28 Years Later expanded upon the terrifying story begun by 28 Days Later in 2002. While interconnected, 28 Years Later is a separate film series focused on another storyline and set of characters. The sequel The Bone Temple is coming soon to theaters and I had the chance to attend an advanced screening. I have to say the film exceeded my expectations and delivered what I was missing from the first installment. Don’t worry, there won’t be any spoilers.
I was invited to the event by horror content creators Ghoul Daddies (Matthew and Paul) who were also our hosts for the evening. There was an awesome photo op with the movie poster backdrop. Deadly Sweet Co., a small business specializing in spooky desserts, supplied free chocolate bars inspired by 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple. After our hosts gave their introductions, the lights dimmed and it was time for the motion picture to begin.
28 Years Later: The Bone Temple explores darker, more shadowy depths than its predecessor. The 2025 film set up the story and familiarized audiences with the current state of the world amid the ‘Rage’ virus outbreak. Since nearly three decades had passed, I felt it was more about reacquainting us with the events that had been set in motion in 28 Days Later. While I enjoyed 28 Years Later, I had hoped for heavier horror elements.
The sequel drops right into the action and doesn’t let up. It picks up where part one left off with Sir Jimmy Crystal’s (Jack O’Connell) sadistic gang. Spike (Alfie Williams) has been forced to join the group of hooligans. Dr. Kelson (Ralph Fiennes) also returns with his ossuary of remains as a central character to the plot. Another notable figure is Samson (Chi Lewis-Parry) who is one of the infected and known as an alpha because of his monstrous size. Dr. Kelson attempts to use him as a test subject to find a cure for the aggressive disease plaguing mankind.
The gore is intense from the violence inflicted by the Jimmys to the ravaging committed by those infected with the ‘Rage.’ We also discover that ringleader Sir Jimmy is obsessed with the devil, weaving Satanic symbology into his evildoings and convinced that his devious activities are sanctioned by Old Nick.
Ralph Fiennes gave a stellar performance and truly stole the movie for me. I won’t give anything away, but he puts on quite a show in one scene, conjuring smoke and mirrors to save his life. All I will say is the devil is in the details.
Whereas part one of this new horror film franchise tapped into our humanity, the sequel rips that away and exposes the monstrosity that humankind has become. And fans of the entire 28 Days Later saga are in for quite a treat at the end.
28 Years Later: The Bone Temple ends on a cliffhanger, so there will be a third part coming. If you’re dying to see it, the theatrical release will be Wednesday, January 14th in the UK and Friday, January 16th in the U.S. See it on the big screen if you can because it will make your viewing experience all the better.
Where to Stalk
28 Years Later: The Bone Temple official website
28 Years Later: The Bone Temple Sony website
Vamp Jenn's Corner 