The Bone Temple brings compassion to 28 Years Later franchise

Collider reports that Nia DaCosta’s 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple continues the franchise’s story, following young Spike and a cult of Jimmys while foregrounding compassion and kindness in its zombie horror.

The film picks up the previous cliffhanger as Spike (Alfie Williams) encounters the Jimmys led by Jimmy Crystal (Jack O’Connell), is forced into violence, and witnesses a horrific act of “charity.” Erin Kellyman’s Jimmy Ink helps protect Spike, while Ralph Fiennes’s Dr. Ian Kelson, who built a temple to memorialize the dead, treats infected people like patients. Kelson tends Alpha Samson (Chi-Lewis Perry), administering morphine and finding the virus has a psychological component; Samson begins to regain speech and memories. Kelson refuses to hand Spike over and is killed by Jimmy Crystal, who is later crucified upside down and attacked by a horde of infected, while Kelson dies after seeing evidence that the infected can be restored.

The piece says the film’s emphasis on empathy opens an intriguing path forward for the series, suggesting infection might be addressed through humane treatment and setting a course for a new chapter when the franchise returns. 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple is now playing in theaters. Release Date January 16, 2026. Runtime 109 Minutes. Director Nia DaCosta.

Key Topics

Culture, Nia Dacosta, Ralph Fiennes, Jack O'connell, Erin Kellyman