The latest gruesome chapter in the acclaimed British zombie saga has arrived in Australian cinemas, and it promises to both horrify and intrigue long-time fans. 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple, the fourth instalment following 2025's 28 Years Later, was filmed back-to-back with its predecessor and offers a potent mix of visceral horror and philosophical depth.
A Fractured World of Savagery and Science
The story picks up directly from the previous film's cliffhanger. On the virus-ravaged mainland of Britain, young survivor Spike (Alfie Williams) falls into the clutches of the Jimmys, a terrifying gang of Satanists led by the tyrannical Sir Lord Jimmy Crystal (Jack O'Connell). Modelled after the disgraced British TV personality Jimmy Savile, this gang chooses to commit atrocities in a world where the infected are compelled to by the Rage virus.
In stark contrast, hermit Dr Ian Kelson (Ralph Fiennes) maintains a macabre memorial to the dead. His isolated existence is disrupted by repeated visits from Samson (Chi Lewis-Perry), an 'Alpha infected' who has grown docile from Kelson's drug-laced darts. This strange relationship becomes the film's emotional core, as Kelson attempts to penetrate the virus clouding Samson's mind, offering a fragile hope for a cure amidst the carnage.
Garland and DeCosta's Vision of Horror
Original writer Alex Garland returns to script this entry, steering the familiar franchise into some daring new narrative territory. While the violent Jimmys may evoke memories of A Clockwork Orange's Droogs, their world is one of utter societal collapse. Director Nia DeCosta (The Marvels) focuses on conveying the horror of the atrocities rather than revelling in them, though the film is unflinching in its depiction of gore.
The cast delivers powerful performances. Ralph Fiennes commands the screen, whether meticulously tending to his bone memorial, attempting communication with Samson, or cutting loose to an Iron Maiden track. Jack O'Connell is chillingly repulsive as the sadistic Jimmy Crystal, a man who has willingly shed his humanity.
A Worthy Entry for Franchise Devotees
This is a film where character attachment comes with a risk, as the brutal world offers no guarantees of survival. However, for fans who have followed the Rage virus from 28 Days Later (2002) through 28 Weeks Later (2007), this is a compelling and worthy continuation. It expands the lore while staying true to the series' grim aesthetic.
Notably, the film's conclusion provides that rare commodity in this universe: a sliver of hope. After the relentless darkness, it's a welcome, if cautious, ray of sunshine. 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple is a brutal, thought-provoking ride that proves this iconic zombie franchise still has fresh, frightening ideas to explore.
