28 Years Later: The Bone Temple Stuns with Brutal, Unhinged Energy
Early reactions to 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple praise its relentless intensity, shocking violence, and standout performances from Jack O'Connell and Ralph Fiennes, setting high expectations for the horror sequel.
With its release just weeks away, 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple is already making waves among critics, who are calling it a wild ride that pushes the boundaries of horror. The buzz is overwhelmingly positive, with many highlighting the film ’s relentless pace and graphic content.
This has cranked everything up to 11, and I warn you, you will need a very strong stomach (or a sick bag),
one reviewer warned, while another described it as
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 Vision
While Danny Boyle directed the original, the sequel is helmed by Nia DaCosta, whose approach is earning high praise. Critics are celebrating her unique vision, with one noting,
Nia DaCosta brought her unique style to this world in a captivating way.
Another added,
Yet more evidence that when you let Nia Da Costa cook, great things tend to happen.
The film’s tone and atmosphere are said to build on the foundation laid by Boyle, while offering a fresh perspective that keeps the story feeling new and unpredictable.
Standout Performances and Dark Humor
Jack O'Connell and Ralph Fiennes are being singled out for their unforgettable performances. O'Connell’s portrayal of the cult leader Jimmy Crystal is described as both terrifying and darkly funny, with one critic saying,
Jack O'Connell, meanwhile, is disturbingly hilarious as the unhinged St. Jimmy, a man fully convinced he's the devil's own son.
Fiennes, as the eccentric Dr. Kelson, brings a new layer of complexity to the story. The sequel is said to be even nastier and, surprisingly, funnier than its predecessor, with the chemistry between the leads driving much of the film’s energy.
A World More Dangerous Than Ever
The Bone Temple picks up after the explosive final moments of the previous film, following Spike as he becomes entangled with Jimmy Crystal’s cult. The nightmare deepens as Dr. Kelson enters a shocking new relationship, setting off events that could reshape everything. In this world, the infected are no longer the only threat—survivors themselves have become unpredictable and even more frightening. Returning cast members include Alfie Williams as Spike and Chi Lewis-Parry as the infected Alpha Samson. The script, penned by Alex Garland, is brought to life under DaCosta’s direction, with Boyle serving as producer.
28 Years Later: The Bone Temple is set to hit theaters across the U.S. on January 16, 2026.