28 Years Later: The Bone Temple

Director: Nia DaCosta

Picking up from the previous film, Spike (Alfie Williams) finds himself in the lair of the Jimmy’s, a rag tag group, in velour tracksuits and taking on the infected lands without fear, under the cult like leadership of Sir Lord Jimmy Crystal (Jack O’Connell). While the Jimmy’s give Spike safety from the infected, it comes at a price, as the Jimmy’s follow the vicious and vile instructions of their leader. Elsewhere Dr Ian Kelson (Ralph Fiennes) continues his work giving remembrance to victims of the contagion. He also finds a new friend in infected Alpha “Samson” (Chi Lewis-Parry), which gives him hope for the future. But when these two worlds collide, it changes everything.

Following on from 28 Years later was always going to be tough,especially in the hands of a new director and without the certainty of a third film. But Nia DaCosta absolutely nails it in this second part of the now confirmed trilogy.

Without the certainty of a third part, the story is self contained. It focuses on the Jimmy’s fantastically led by O’Connell’s satanic Crystal. Alongside the story of Fiennes’s Dr Kelson and his attempts to find humanity behind the infection in his relationship with Samson.

It takes inspiration from films such as A Clockwork Orange and Frankenstein, using them well, with DaCosta giving a master class in hint rather than show horror gore and gives an engrossing and tense addition to the series.

Performances are great. Fiennes’s Kelson is the heart of the film, believing there is hope for humanity and for the infected. O’Connell’s Crystal is the polar opposite, personifying evil as he acolytes deliver their charity. But it is delivered with subtlety as we see how is twisted belief system has dictated who he is. Alfie Williams while less prominent supports well, as does Erin Kellyman as a Jimmy who Spike sees as a way out from the horrors of Crystals twisted view.

The script balances the darkness with a light touch of humour. Balancing hope with desperation as it leads to its wild ride finale.

Bone Temple is an outstanding addition to the “28” world.