Opening in theaters June 16 is ’28 Years Later: The Bone Temple’, directed by Nia DaCosta and starring Ralph Fiennes, Alfie Williams, and Jack O’Connell.Related Article: ’28 Years Later: The Bone Temple’ Cast InterviewInitial Thoughts’28 Years Later’ is enjoyable for what it is, but one of the biggest takeaways is that it was clearly a set-up for the follow-up film, ’28 Years Later: The Bone Temple’.
Opening in theaters June 16 is ’28 Years Later: The Bone Temple’, directed by Nia DaCosta and starring Ralph Fiennes, Alfie Williams, and Jack O’Connell.Related Article: ’28 Years Later: The Bone Temple’ Cast InterviewInitial Thoughts’28 Years Later’ is enjoyable for what it is, but one of the biggest takeaways is that it was clearly a set-up for the follow-up film, ’28 Years Later: The Bone Temple’.
Dr. Kelson (Ralph Fiennes) in Columbia Pictures’ ’28 Years Later: The Bone Temple’. Photo: Miya Mizuno. © 2025 CTMG, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Opening in theaters June 16 is ‘28 Years Later: The Bone Temple‘, directed by Nia DaCosta and starring Ralph Fiennes, Alfie Williams, and Jack O’Connell.
Related Article: ’28 Years Later: The Bone Temple’ Cast Interview
Initial Thoughts
(L to R) Samson (Chi Lewis-Parry) and Dr. Kelson (Ralph Fiennes) in Columbia Pictures’ ’28 Years Later: The Bone Temple’. Photo: Miya Mizuno. © 2025 CTMG, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
‘28 Years Later‘ is enjoyable for what it is, but one of the biggest takeaways is that it was clearly a set-up for the follow-up film, ’28 Years Later: The Bone Temple’. While viewers could surely watch the latter without seeing either of the previous films, they will enjoy it much more if they know the lore and backstories of these characters.
Story and Direction
Dr. Kelson (Ralph Fiennes) in Columbia Pictures’ ’28 Years Later: The Bone Temple’. Photo: Miya Mizuno. © 2025 CTMG, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
The story picks up almost immediately after the events of ’28 Years Later’ as Sir Lord Jimmy Crystal (Jack O’Connell) is seen putting young Spike (Alfie Williams) to the test. This is a brilliant introduction to the villain of the film, as it becomes clear just how deranged and selfish he is during this fight. His fingers, which is what he calls his child followers, know no better to believe in this man who thinks he is the son of Satan. This sets up for some truly dark, twisted, and gory events that are much on par with the previous two films.
On the other side of things, we have Ralph Fiennes’ Dr. Ian Kelson, whom we got to know a lot about in the previous film. This time he strikes up an unlikely “friendship” with the Alpha Infected Samson (Chi Lewis-Parry). Both of these plot points are captivating in their own way, as we move towards the climax of the film (which does not disappoint). The cinematography and Nia DaCosta’s directing choices are the best in the franchise, without a doubt. Being up close and personal with so many characters allows us to feel what they are feeling, whether it be terror, happiness, or peace.
Cast and Performances
Sir Jimmy Crystal (Jack O’Connell) with the Jimmies in Columbia Pictures’ ’28 Years Later: The Bone Temple’. Photo: Miya Mizuno. © 2025 CTMG, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Jack O’Connell will always and forever make a great villain. His role in ‘Sinners‘ is unforgettable, but he does something so phenomenal in ’28 Years Later: The Bone Temple’ that he will surely be remembered for it as well. This is a career-best performance for him. He is a mentally unstable man who is drawn to violence. Throughout the entire movie, he is captivating, yes, but it is the third act where he really shines.
The same can be said for Ralph Fiennes, who has a lot of incredible roles under his belt, but you have never seen him like this before. What he does, especially in that third act, is going to be talked about for years to come. Chi Lewis-Parry is also given a lot more to play with this time around, and he proves why he should be on many studios’ radars.
Final Thoughts
(L to R) Dr. Kelson (Ralph Fiennes) and Sir Jimmy Crystal (Jack O’Connell) in Columbia Pictures’ ’28 Years Later: The Bone Temple’. Photo: Courtesy of Sony Pictures. © 2025 CTMG, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
’28 Years Later: The Bone Temple’ sets the bar high for 2026 films. Thanks to brilliant performances all around, a story that will have viewers on the edge of their seats, and some well placed jump scares, it is an unforgettable movie that ends the beloved franchise perfectly.
While the studio could certainly discover more story to be told, there is no need, as the ending just feels right.
’28 Years Later: The Bone Temple’ receives a score of 90 out of 100.
(L to R) Jimmy Ink (Erin Kellyman) and Sir Jimmy Crystal (Jack O’Connell) with the Jimmies in Columbia Pictures’ ’28 Years Later: The Bone Temple’. Photo: Miya Mizuno. © 2025 CTMG, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
What is the plot of ’28 Years Later: The Bone Temple’?
Taking place after the events of the previous film, Spike (Alfie Williams) is inducted into Sir Jimmy Crystal’s (Jack O’Connell) gang of acrobatic killers in a post-apocalyptic Britain ravaged by the Rage Virus. Meanwhile, Dr Ian Kelson (Ralph Fiennes) forms a new relationship with potentially world changing consequences.
Who is in the cast of ’28 Years Later: The Bone Temple’?
’28 Years Later: The Bone Temple’ opens in theaters on January 16th.
List of Films in the ’28’ Franchise:
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