The horror franchise born from the 2002 hit 28 Days Later has achieved a rare cinematic feat: a sequel that outshines its already impressive predecessor. 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple, hitting theatres on January 16, 2026, not only continues the story but elevates it, blending brutal zombie action with rich character drama.
A Clever Continuation in a Frozen World
Picking up after the events of last summer's 28 Years Later, the film delves deeper into a United Kingdom forever paused in 2002 due to the Rage Virus pandemic. This unique setting allows for clever cultural commentary. Figures like disgraced media personality Jimmy Savile remain beloved icons in this timeline, and songs by bands like Duran Duran and Iron Maiden are treated as contemporary hits rather than nostalgic classics.
The story follows two converging narratives. One involves young Spike (Alfie Williams), who is taken in by a marauding gang called the Jimmies, who model themselves after Savile. Their leader, played with terrifying charisma by Jack O'Connell, is revealed to be far more psychotic and dangerous than initially thought.
Standout Performances Drive the Narrative
The other plot thread follows Dr. Ian Kelson (Ralph Fiennes), a hermitic and eccentric physician who tends to a massive outdoor ossuary—a bone temple memorializing the pandemic's victims—while secretly researching a cure for the Rage Virus. Fiennes is clearly relishing the role, bringing thoughtful depth to the isolated healer.
Meanwhile, Jack O'Connell delivers a villainous performance for the ages, masterfully portraying a character who is unhinged yet compelling. Alfie Williams provides the emotional core as Spike, the character caught between these two powerful forces. The film's early scenes are intensely violent, featuring ritual combat and zombie decapitations, but the brutality eases as the plot becomes more character-driven.
A Promising Future for the Franchise
Directed by Nia DaCosta, who takes over from Danny Boyle while continuing with writer Alex Garland, the film builds to a satisfying and explosive convergence of its twin stories. It concludes on another cliffhanger, introducing a new character that sparked cheers from a recent preview audience. This setup is perfectly timed, as the studio has confirmed another sequel directed by Danny Boyle is in development.
The promise of more story is a relief, as the ending of The Bone Temple leaves audiences craving resolution. In the world of this franchise, the cure for that particular anticipation is simple: one more movie. Based on the strength of this sequel to a sequel, that's something to eagerly await.
28 Years Later: The Bone Temple opens nationwide on January 16 and earns a stellar 4 out of 5 stars.
