OUT NOW: 28 Years Later - The Bone Temple (Nia DaCoata, 2026)

Following the events of the last movie, Spike finds himself press-ganged into a gang of Satanists, the Jimmies.

Meanwhile Dr Kelson (Ralph FIennes) may have stumbled into a new understanding with the rage-infected Alpha Samson (Chi Lewis-Parry), a rapport that may hold the key to a potential cure for infection…

Despite enjoying 28 Years Later, I did not bother to go back to check back in for a refresher before this viewing.

I was mostly interested in seeing what new helmer Nia DaCosta would bring to it.

I was a big fan of DaCosta’s debut, Little Woods, and less so her take on Candyman. I avoided Captain Marvel 2 because I just did not care. I was hoping to see Hedda but I am not subscribed to its streaming service (the joys of subscription!).

I am glad that, unlike a lot of women in film, she has been able to build up a decently-sized filmography relatively quickly. Here is hoping this harvest continues.

As for her latest venture, Bone Temple is a good time, with a welcome injection of humour.

It oddly reminds me of Avatar: Fire and Ash, in that it feels like it returns to the same characters, locations and (to a degree) themes of its predecessor 

It does split its narrative perspective, with the protagonist of the previous film, Spike, receding.

 

The focus shifts more towards Dr Kelson (Ralph Fiennes) and cult leader Lord Sir Jimmy (Jack O’Connell).

The film wants to be about the conflict over the response to the virus - attempting to understand it and restore/preserve humanity, versus using it as the catalyst for a form of control.

I wish this conflict were more developed .The Jimmies move through this world with seeming impunity - capable of dealing with anyone who gets in their way, including the Rage victims. They should be a more significant force in the film, but despite some depraved early actions, they are never as interesting as they could be.

In contrast, Dr Kelson’s developing relationship with alpha Samson is so well-handled, the cutaways to the Jimmies get in the way.

There is a lot to like - the interplay between Kelson and Samson allows the movie to stray from the usual cliches into something more organic and human. In one brilliant scene, Kelson plays on the Jimmies’ reliance on theatre to generate the kind of religious ecstasy and childlike wonder that their world-view is built on.

Despite a significant character death, there is nothing to match the cumulative emotional impact of the last movie. 

The Bone Temple is a movie of minor notes, but do not take this as a criticism. It is still worth a watch.

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