Featured Image: (Pacer Graphic by Darby Self)

In 2002, zombie culture changed forever with the release of the post-apocalyptic, UK-set “28 Days Later.” Now, 24 years later, the franchise sees its newest release with “28 Years Later: The Bone Temple.”

Directed by Nia DaCosta and released on Jan. 16, 2026, “28 Years Later: The Bone Temple” continues the story of the new trilogy in a timely fashion. With the first “28 Years Later” being released in June of 2025,  a sequel coming out less than a year after the original is almost unprecedented in the modern age of the film industry. By doing this, it allows the franchise to remain fresh on everyone’s minds. 

Similar to the swiftness in which the sequel came out, the plot of the second film also picks up right where the first left off. It follows Spike (Alfie Williams) trapped with Sir Lord Jimmy Crystal (Jack O’Connell) and his satanic cult called the “Seven Fingers”. The “Seven Fingers,” naturally all being named Jimmy, remain Sir Jimmy’s devoted followers throughout the film.

Parallel to Spike’s struggle to survive, Dr. Kelson (Ralph Fiennes), a returning character from the previous movie, fills in a much larger role this time around. He begins working on an alpha infected that he’s named Samson (Chi-Lewis Parry) to possibly find a cure for the Rage Virus. 

‘The Bone Temple” is stylistically similar to “28 Years Later.” An example of this is that both films use the 2.76:1 aspect ratio to convey a more cinematic feel. It also allows the audience to experience the landscape of a dystopian United Kingdom on a larger scale.

The characters in the “28 Days Later” franchise are always the main focus of the films. Since 2002, fans have gravitated towards the phenomenal performances in the series. “The Bone Temple” may have the best of these performances yet. Each character, from Kelson to Jimmima (Emma Laird), is given an amount of depth that makes them feel like real people. Not a single performance in the film falls flat. Even though Jimmy and the “Seven Fingers” are the main antagonists, you can feel their pain when devastating situations begin to befall the Satanist group. 

The realistic isolationism that was perfectly translated in “28 Days Later” is expanded upon in ‘The Bone Temple” during its segments where Dr. Kelson is the main focus. Kelson, who was more of a mystery in the first film, is explored through set design. Pictures of people who are presumably Kelson’s family decorate his underground bunker. He also has a record player and music that was popular before the Rage Virus outbreak. Songs from bands like Duran Duran and Radiohead encourage audiences to consider a more melancholic take on Kelson’s character. 

For example, when the classic Radiohead track Everything in Its Right Place plays, we see Kelson working on a big theory of his. He seems content with the way he lives his life and the world he lives in. It’s a calming segment that offsets the intense scene that occurred just moments before it. This is one of the many examples in ‘The Bone Temple” that shows the careful consideration of the human element in such a terrifyingly gory film.

In conclusion, “28 Years Later: The Bone Temple” is an exceptional continuation of one of zombie cinema’s most beloved franchises. Director Nia DeCosta does a fantastic job of bringing a kinder touch to a franchise known for being brutal while also making what may be the goriest film in the franchise. The ending raises the stakes for what will be the end of the trilogy and possibly even the franchise. This film is a great insight into what will undoubtedly be a massive year for cinema.

Grade: 10/10