28 Years Later: The Bone Temple Stuns Early Audiences
Early buzz for '28 Years Later: The Bone Temple' points to a bold new direction for the franchise, with standout performances and a fresh take on post-apocalyptic horror.
It’s only January, but some punters are already calling 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple the standout film of the year. The much-anticipated post-apocalyptic horror sequel is set to hit cinemas next week, and early reactions suggest the zombie saga is about to deliver something fresh. One X user, @ragingmotelfire, didn’t hold back:
Idc that 2026 just started _Bone Temple_ is my movie of the year! Nia DaCosta is a brilliant director and proves why Danny Boyle handpicked her to direct! Jack O’Connell and Ralph Fiennes put in some career-best performances & I couldn’t be prouder! I can’t wait to watch it again!
Collider’s Ross Bonaime also weighed in, highlighting the film’s exploration of humanity and the virus at the heart of the story.
28 Years Later: The Bone Temple is incredible. Really explores the idea of humanity in a world gone to hell in stunning fashion while also delving into the virus itself. Ralph Fiennes is tremendous. Jack O’Connell terrifying. I was grinning like an idiot for the last 20 minutes.
Critical Acclaim and Standout Performances
Other early viewers have called the film “the first summer blockbuster arrived in January,” “the darkest of the series,” and “Bold. Bombastic. Brazen.” There’s even talk of it being “one of the best horror sequels of the century.” Jack O’Connell’s performance as Jimmy Crystal is getting heaps of attention, with some saying he’s managed to create an even nastier villain than his role in Sinners—this time, without the excuse of being a vampire.
Director Nia DaCosta, who’s taken the reins from Danny Boyle, is earning praise for steering the franchise back to its roots. @BrandonDavisBD reckons the new film is more in line with the original 2002 outing than last year’s sequel:
I watched 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple and it is REALLY GOOD. Nia DaCosta does a phenomenal job honouring the gritty 28 horrors. O’Connell is haunting & darkly funny. Ruthless & violent, especially early before heart creeps in. This felt more in line with Days than Years did.
New Faces and a Fresh Direction
With Nia DaCosta directing and Alex Garland penning the script, the film stars Ralph Fiennes, Jack O’Connell, Alfie Williams, Erin Kellyman, and Chi Lewis-Parry. The Bone Temple is set for a 16 January 2026 release, and there’s already word of a third and final chapter in the works.
The official synopsis teases a world that’s been flipped on its head since the events of 28 Years Later. Dr. Kelson, played by Fiennes, finds himself in a relationship that could have world-altering consequences, while Spike’s run-in with Jimmy Crystal turns into a nightmare. In this chapter, the infected aren’t the only threat—survivors themselves might be even more dangerous.
Expanding the 28 Universe
28 Years Later: The Bone Temple builds on the universe created by Danny Boyle and Alex Garland, but DaCosta’s take promises to shake things up. The film dives into the darker side of human nature, showing that sometimes, the real horror comes from those left behind. With early reactions this strong, locals are keen to see if the film lives up to the hype when it lands in cinemas.